DHS said ICE detained 17 people living in the U.S. unlawfully who have prior convictions for serious crimes, including murder and sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrests were publicized through a new "worst of the worst" campaign and public database. DHS defended the holiday weekend operation, while Democratic leaders criticized the administration's enforcement tactics as overly broad. The detainees remain in ICE custody pending further proceedings.
DHS: ICE Detains 17 Convicted Migrants in Holiday Weekend Operation, Names Released in 'Worst of the Worst' Campaign
DHS announced that ICE arrested 17 undocumented migrants previously convicted of violent and serious crimes as part of its new "worst of the worst" campaign publicizing dangerous offenders.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 17 people living in the United States unlawfully who have prior convictions for serious crimes, including murder and sexual exploitation of a minor. DHS released the names of those arrested as part of a public "worst of the worst" campaign intended to highlight undocumented immigrants with histories of violent felonies or sexual offenses.
Operation Details and Named Cases
According to DHS, the weekend arrests included individuals convicted of a range of offenses. DHS cited these named examples: Thai Lor (convicted of second-degree murder), Benevenuto Walter Lopez-Alonzo (convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor), Yovanny Dominguez-Herrera (convicted of a lewd act with a child under 14), Chi Ying (convicted of money laundering), and Patricia Judith Diaz-Angel (convicted of pimping a minor over 16). The department said all 17 were convicted while living in the United States and are currently in ICE custody.
DHS officials praised ICE agents for carrying out the weekend operation, arguing that the arrests removed "murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers" from American communities despite protests and attempts to obstruct enforcement.
Agency Statement and Public Database
"While Americans were at Christmas parties and celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, the patriotic heroes of ICE law enforcement were selflessly risking their lives to arrest the worst of the worst," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "This weekend, ICE arrested murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers. This holiday season, Americans can rejoice these monsters are out of their neighborhoods."
DHS also pointed to a recently launched public database and a "worst of the worst" website that provides information about convicted violent criminals and sexual offenders living in the country unlawfully.
Context and Reactions
The announcement follows large-scale enforcement activity in recent weeks. DHS reported that more than 10,000 migrants were arrested in Los Angeles during a separate operation that agency officials say occurred despite violent confrontations in the city, where agents were attacked as some tried to block arrests. Similar sweeps have taken place in other cities, including the Twin Cities.
Residents confront federal agents and Border Patrol agents over their presence in their neighborhood on Atlantic Blvd. in the Los Angeles suburb of Bell.
Political responses were sharply divided: administration officials and allies defended the actions as necessary public-safety measures, while many Democratic leaders criticized the agency’s tactics and warned that aggressive sweeps risk sweeping up nonviolent or otherwise eligible residents. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and other administration backers have framed the efforts as enforcement of immigration laws and a deterrent against illegal entry.
What Comes Next
The detained individuals remain in ICE custody pending further immigration proceedings or removal actions. The ongoing release of names and case details via the DHS database is likely to fuel continued debate about the scope and conduct of large-scale immigration enforcement operations in U.S. cities.
