U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the apprehension of multiple criminal illegal aliens across the nation who had been convicted of horrific sexual offenses against children. This series of arrests underscores ICE’s persistent dedication to identifying and removing dangerous predators who pose a threat to vulnerable communities and children.
Targeting Predators Endangering Children
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) characterized these individuals as representing “the very worst of humanity” due to the severity of their crimes. The recent enforcement actions are part of ICE’s ongoing mission to prioritize the removal of criminal aliens, particularly those with convictions for violent offenses, to ensure public safety and deliver justice. “These disgusting predators are convicted of sexually abusing a child under 14, lewd and lascivious acts with a child, and endangering the welfare of a child related to sex abuse,” stated McLaughlin. “These criminals preyed on our innocent children, but thanks to our brave ICE law enforcement officers, they’re off our streets and will never be allowed again to prey on American children.”
The individuals taken into custody include Jose Mario Cervantes-Luna, a citizen of Mexico convicted of sexual assault of a child under 14 in Harris County, Texas. Also arrested was Javier Zuniga, from Mexico, who was convicted of rape of a child and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Hector Perez-Urias, from Guatemala, was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child and apprehended in San Bernardino, California. Gilberto Ramos-Agustine, also from Guatemala, faced conviction for endangering the welfare of a child related to sex abuse in Kent, New York. Finally, Hermilo Martinez, a citizen of Mexico, was convicted of sexual battery and arrested in Franklin County, North Carolina.
Agency’s Commitment to Public Safety
These arrests are part of broader ICE operations aimed at enhancing public safety. In a separate but related enforcement effort in Southeast Texas between August 17 and August 23, 2025, ICE Houston apprehended 822 criminal aliens. This operation specifically targeted threats to public safety and included individuals with convictions for homicide-related offenses, transnational gang members, foreign fugitives, and notably, seven child predators. These operations are framed as efforts to restore public safety and target the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens.
In another initiative, “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago, ICE also targeted criminal illegal immigrants, arresting individuals with prior convictions or pending charges for serious crimes, including sexual assault of a child, rape, armed robbery, and domestic violence. Assistant Secretary McLaughlin has been vocal in these operations, emphasizing that these arrests directly counter any claims that ICE targets schools or U.S. citizens, asserting that ICE does not conduct enforcement operations at schools and only makes arrests in such sensitive locations when public safety is at immediate risk.
Deterring Criminal Activity Through Enforcement
The agency has reiterated its commitment to continuing its enforcement priorities. “ICE will continue to enforce U.S. immigration laws to ensure criminal illegal aliens are identified, arrested, and removed, safeguarding communities across the nation,” read a statement following recent arrests. The actions highlight the agency’s strategy to identify, arrest, and remove individuals who have committed serious crimes, thereby protecting citizens and strengthening national security. The news surrounding these arrests serves as a reminder of ICE’s active role in public safety initiatives across the United States, with a particular focus on crimes against children. The agency maintains that its officers “risk their lives every single day to arrest murderers, pedophiles, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals”.
ICE’s ongoing efforts demonstrate a clear strategy to address the presence of dangerous individuals within the country, emphasizing the protection of children and the enforcement of immigration laws as paramount objectives. The agency plans to continue prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens with violent crime convictions to safeguard communities and ensure justice is served.
