A multi-agency immigration crackdown in Houston resulted in the arrest of 646 illegal aliens, including 543 criminal aliens and seven documented gang members. The operation, conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, took place between Feb. 23 and March 2, with the aim of enhancing public safety, national security, and border security. A total of 71 criminal arrest warrants were executed, targeting individuals who had been charged or convicted of criminal offenses while illegally in the U.S.
Among the criminal aliens arrested, 140 were charged or convicted of aggravated felonies or violent offenses, such as homicide, aggravated assault, or domestic violence. An additional 34 individuals had been charged or convicted of sex offenses or child sex offenses. Some of the criminal aliens had committed illegal firearms offenses, while others were involved in drug trafficking or property crimes. A significant number were also charged with driving while intoxicated. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford stated that many of these individuals had taken advantage of the crisis at the southern border to enter the U.S. and commit violent crimes.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz emphasized the impact of the joint efforts in making the Houston community safer. Plantz highlighted the arrest of human smugglers, gang members, human traffickers, child sex offenders, drug traffickers, and weapons traffickers during the operation. The collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies sent a strong message to transnational criminal organizations that the law enforcement community in the Texas Gulf Coast is united in eradicating criminal elements from the country.
The participation of various agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service, underscored the comprehensive nature of the operation. The coordinated efforts focused on targeting individuals who posed a threat to public safety and national security. The operation aimed to disrupt criminal activities and send a clear message to criminal organizations that law enforcement agencies are committed to combating illegal immigration and criminal behavior.
ICE Director Bradford highlighted the positive impact of removing dangerous fugitives, transnational gang members, and criminal aliens from the streets. The operation was part of a broader effort to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and criminal activity. By targeting individuals with criminal histories, law enforcement agencies sought to enhance public safety and strengthen national security. The successful execution of arrest warrants and the collaboration between different agencies demonstrated a unified approach to addressing complex law enforcement challenges.
The operation targeted a range of criminal offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, illegal firearms offenses, drug trafficking, and property crimes. By focusing on individuals with criminal records, law enforcement agencies were able to remove dangerous individuals from the community and prevent further criminal activity. The joint efforts of federal, state, and local agencies reflected a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Houston community. The operation sent a strong message to criminal organizations that law enforcement agencies are actively working to combat illegal immigration and criminal behavior in the region.
