DHS marked National Crime Victims Week by highlighting families impacted by crimes the agency attributes to people in the U.S. illegally and by promoting the VOICE Office. DHS says VOICE handled nearly 900 calls in the past year and offers case tracking, ICE custody updates, and referrals to local social services. Agency data cited by DHS shows that 32% of reported incidents were violent assaults, 15% were sexual assaults, and 9% involved homicide or manslaughter. The department listed several high-profile cases and encouraged victims to contact VOICE at 855-488-6423.
DHS Highlights ‘Angel Families’ During National Crime Victims Week, Recommends VOICE Support
Split of victims of crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants, as provided by DHS.(Fox News)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used National Crime Victims Week to spotlight families affected by crimes the agency says were committed by people in the country illegally and to promote services provided by the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office.
VOICE Office: Assistance and Outreach
DHS noted that the VOICE Office — which the article says was closed under the Biden administration and later reopened under the Trump administration — has prioritized support for victims and their families. According to DHS, the office received nearly 900 calls seeking help over the past year. Services include case-tracking for immigration enforcement actions, automated ICE custody updates, and referrals to local social-service providers.
Agency Data and Statement
DHS shared incident data reported to VOICE: 32% involved violent assault, 15% involved rape or sexual assault, and 9% involved homicide or manslaughter. In a statement quoted by Fox News Digital, acting DHS assistant secretary Lauren Bis said the department is honoring victims during National Crime Victims Week and pledged continued support:
‘DHS will never stop fighting for victims of illegal aliens and will ALWAYS put America first. Every crime committed by an illegal alien is completely preventable.’
Notable Cases Cited by DHS
The department highlighted several cases to illustrate the types of incidents it tracks and the support VOICE provides. Summaries below reflect details provided by DHS and local reports:
- Megan Bos (Waukegan, Illinois, April 2025): Bos’ partially decomposed body was found in a garbage can. Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez faces charges including abuse of a corpse and obstructing justice; DHS said he was later arrested by ICE in Chicago.
- Joshua Wilkerson (2010): The 18-year-old was beaten, burned and dumped in the woods. DHS says the accused, Hermilo Moralez, had prior arrests for harassment.
- Dalilah Coleman: A 5-year-old who was critically injured in a crash DHS attributes to Partap Singh; DHS reports she required months of care and will need ongoing therapy.
- Katie Abraham (Urbana, Illinois, Jan. 19, 2025): An Ohio University student killed in a high-speed crash; the driver pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI and was sentenced to 30 years.
- Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin (405 Freeway, Nov. 19, 2021): Both 19, killed in a high-speed impaired-driving crash. DHS said the driver, Oscar Ortega-Anguiano, had prior convictions and had re-entered the U.S. after deportation.
- Lacy Marie Ferguson (Aug. 24, 2003): Caught in crossfire during a shootout; a suspect was arrested and later convicted.
- Chrishia Odette (Sept. 12, 2014): Struck while crossing a street; DHS noted the driver had prior encounters with U.S. border authorities.
- Rocky Paul Jones (Dec. 17, 2018): Shot and killed during an alleged crime spree; DHS said the accused had been deported previously after firearm-related charges.
- Hailey King (Fayetteville, Nov. 7, 2016): Killed in a hit-and-run; DHS noted the driver later pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
- Lizbeth Medina (Dec. 5, 2023): A Texas teen found stabbed; DHS says the accused, who faced an ICE detainer for an expired visa, pleaded guilty and received concurrent life sentences.
Department Messaging and Victim Support
DHS said that, of the illegal immigrants arrested by ICE, nearly 70% have been charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States. The department emphasized its ongoing efforts to protect communities and prevent similar tragedies. DHS encourages victims of crimes allegedly committed by people in the country illegally to contact the VOICE Office for assistance.
VOICE Office Contact: 855-488-6423
Megan Bos was allegedly found dead in Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez' backyard in Illinois in April 2025.
Joshua Wilkerson was murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2010.
Dalilah Coleman was seriously injured in a crash allegedly caused by an illegal immigrant.
The Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Midway Blitz to honor Katie Abraham, who was killed in a hit-and-run caused by a criminal illegal alien in Illinois. The department worked with her father, Joe Abraham, during the operation.
Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin, both 19, were killed by an illegal immigrant driver in Los Angeles.
Lacy Marie Ferguson was shot and killed by an illegal immigrant in 2003.
Chrishia Odette was killed by an unlicensed illegal immigrant driver in 2014.
Rocky Paul Jones, of Visalia, California, was shot and killed by an illegal immigrant in 2018.
Hailey King, the mother of a 2-year-old girl, was hit and killed by an illegal immigrant driver in 2016.
The Edna Police Department announced the arrest of Rafael Govea Romero, an undocumented male believed to be responsible for the death of Lizbeth Medina in Schulenburg.
Help us improve.
