As Americans prepare to ring in the new year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced a series of arrests involving what federal officials described as the “worst of the worst” criminal illegal aliens. The arrests, carried out nationwide, included individuals convicted of child sexual assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that the latest enforcement actions reflect the continued priorities of the Trump administration. “In President Trump’s first year in office, ICE law enforcement relentlessly targeted the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens across our country,” the spokesperson said. The official added that recent arrests included “domestic abusers, drug traffickers, and a monster who raped a child under 12-years-old,” while emphasizing continued support for officers working to improve public safety.
Below are five of the most serious offenders taken into custody:
Juan Perez-Tello – Mexico
Perez-Tello, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was convicted in Santa Barbara, Calif., of lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under the age of 14.
Carlos Esqueda-Ortega – Mexico
Esqueda-Ortega, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, has multiple convictions across California, including illegal re-entry after deportation, possession of a controlled substance for sale, receiving stolen property, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, and being a felon or addict in possession of a firearm.
Artemio Gabriel-Perez – Guatemala
Gabriel-Perez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala pictured above, was convicted in Scott County, Ky., of second-degree rape involving a victim under the age of 12.
Jose Barrera-Bolanos – Mexico
Barrera-Bolanos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was convicted in Denver, Colo., of sexual assault of a child.
Gustavo Benitez-Barrueta – Mexico
Benitez-Barrueta, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was convicted in Austin, Texas, of possession of cocaine hydrochloride with intent to distribute or sell.
ICE officials said the arrests demonstrate ongoing enforcement efforts focused on removing criminal illegal aliens who pose serious risks to American communities, noting that operations will continue nationwide into the new year.
