U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Oklahoma City officers arrested a Guatemalan national with a violent criminal history on August 26, continuing the agency’s targeted efforts to apprehend noncitizens who pose a risk to public safety.
Izaiquiel Mendez-Vazquez, 34, was taken into custody in Oklahoma City following multiple prior arrests and convictions related to domestic violence and other offenses. According to ICE, Mendez-Vazquez is an illegal alien who has been residing in the United States without legal authorization.
Mendez-Vazquez’s criminal record in Oklahoma includes a range of violent and dangerous offenses. Authorities confirmed that he had previously been convicted of domestic assault and battery by strangulation, as well as domestic abuse committed in the presence of a child. He also faced charges for threatening to perform an act of violence, assault, and battery. In addition to these violent offenses, ICE noted that Mendez-Vazquez had been arrested twice for driving under the influence.
ICE officers arrested Mendez-Vazquez as part of ongoing efforts to identify and remove individuals with significant criminal histories, particularly those whose actions endanger vulnerable members of the community. The agency has emphasized that domestic violence offenders—especially those who commit crimes in front of children—are considered high-priority targets for immigration enforcement.
Mendez-Vazquez is currently in ICE custody and is expected to face removal proceedings in immigration court. ICE did not specify whether the suspect had prior deportation orders, but confirmed that he had not been lawfully admitted into the United States.
This arrest reflects the agency’s continued focus on locating repeat offenders and noncitizens involved in crimes that pose a direct threat to the safety of local communities. Under the current administration, ICE field offices nationwide have increased targeted enforcement actions against individuals with violent criminal convictions, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and DUI-related offenses.
ICE Oklahoma City has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents by identifying and removing criminal aliens who have violated both immigration and criminal laws. Officials stated that Mendez-Vazquez will remain in custody pending the outcome of his immigration proceedings.
