During the first six months of President Donald Trump’s second term, ICE in Houston has launched a significant operation, arresting over 350 illegal migrants affiliated with more than 40 gangs, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. These arrests underscore the administration’s focus on targeting the most dangerous criminal migrants, aiming to strengthen public safety and restore the integrity of the nation’s immigration system. As per the Department of Homeland Security, these efforts are part of a broader initiative to dismantle transnational criminal gangs operating within the U.S.
The arrests included individuals with severe criminal records, such as Milton Alexander Magaña Fuentes, a convicted child predator who has illegally entered the U.S. four times. His prosecution highlights the administration’s determination to remove dangerous individuals from American streets. Ronald Alberto Rivas-Aguilar, a member of MS-13, is also among those arrested, with a conviction for homicide and repeated illegal entries. Meanwhile, Humberto Romero Avila, a Paisas gang member, was wanted for homicide in Mexico and has been convicted of multiple crimes in the U.S., including four DWIs and larceny.
The number of gang-related arrests in Houston has surged under Trump’s administration. In the first six months of his second term, 356 gang members were arrested, with collectively 1,685 criminal convictions. This is a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s six-month arrest count of 75 gang members in the same area, representing a 375% increase. In 2021, the ICE Houston field office recorded only 115 gang arrests, underscoring the significant enforcement efforts since Trump’s return to power.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin credited the aggressive enforcement under the Trump administration for these results, calling it a major blow to transnational criminal gangs. She emphasized the role of President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem in unleashing ICE to dismantle these gangs, stating that the days of unchecked gang violence are over. Martinez, acting field office director, reiterated the importance of these efforts in preventing future atrocities, such as the rape and murder of an innocent 12-year-old girl on her way to the store. According to him, the courageous work of ICE officers continues to safeguard American citizens by removing dangerous gang members from the streets.
These operations have not only targeted gang members but also individuals with multiple convictions, including those for drug trafficking and fraud. The arrests have led to convictions for numerous crimes, highlighting the broader criminal activities facilitated by these gangs. The emphasis on aggressive enforcement and targeted removals reflects the administration’s commitment to combating gang-related violence and ensuring public safety. The significant increase in arrests under Trump’s administration underscores the effectiveness of these policies in curbing gang activities within the U.S.