ICE continues its efforts to remove the most dangerous illegal aliens from the country, arresting several high-profile criminal noncitizens over the last two weeks. From child predators to repeat felons with dozens of prior arrests, the following individuals represent five of the worst offenders recently taken into federal custody.
Robert Reid Mendez Jimenez – A Dominican national arrested August 13, Mendez was charged with multiple child sex offenses, including sexual conduct with a child under the age of 11. Despite a final order of removal issued by a judge in 2018, the New York City Police Department released him from local custody after his arrest, refusing to honor an ICE immigration detainer. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark officers later located and arrested Mendez during a targeted operation.
“This case shows the real cost of ignoring ICE detainers: Violent offenders walk free, and public safety is put at risk,” said ERO Newark acting Field Office Director Ruben Perez.
Roberto Vaca-Flores – A 66-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, Vaca-Flores was arrested August 26 in California. ICE reports that he has been arrested 59 times and has 43 prior convictions, including for smuggling aliens, fraud, burglary, and numerous probation violations. His criminal activity spans multiple counties and jurisdictions, making him one of the most prolific repeat offenders apprehended this month.
Eziquiel Cruz Rodriguez – On August 25, ICE San Diego arrested Cruz Rodriguez, a 47-year-old Mexican national with a deeply concerning criminal record. He has been convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14, robbery, burglary, and being both a felon and an alien in possession of a firearm. He had also illegally reentered the United States after prior removal.
Gerardo Perez-Rios – A 32-year-old Mexican national, Perez-Rios was taken into ICE custody on August 25. He was previously convicted in Harris County, Texas, for indecency with a child (sexual contact) and sentenced to two years in prison. His case marks yet another instance of ICE apprehending a known sexual predator who had served time for crimes against minors.
Newton Njuguna Githri – Githri, a 32-year-old citizen of Kenya, was arrested August 25 in Alabama. His prior convictions include sexually abusing a child and burglary in Jefferson County. ICE officials confirmed he is now in federal custody pending immigration proceedings.
All five men are being held pending their removal from the United States. ICE officials say their arrests underscore the agency’s commitment to targeting the most serious threats to public safety.
