stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
February 11, 2025Harlingen, TX, United StatesTransnational Gangs, Enforcement and Removal

ICE HSI RGV, law enforcement partners arrest member of Cartel del Golfo during routine enforcement action

ICE HSI Rio Grande Valley, in partnership with our law enforcement partners arrested a member of the Cartel del Golfo. HSI is committed to strengthening our borders and protecting our communities from harm.

HARLINGEN, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, arrested a member of the Cartel del Golfo, Feb. 6.

The 36-year-old Mexican citizen was arrested for being in the United States illegally. During the interaction, agents discovered his prior criminal record, which includes a felony conviction for possession of marijuana and illegal entry.

"This enforcement action is part of our relentless fight against violent cartel members who have little regard for the law and degrade the quality of life in our communities," said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "Our ultimate goal is to get these cartel members off the streets of South Texas and ensure they face justice for their crimes."

HSI further identified him as the leader of a sicario cell.

Individuals can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE.

Updated: 08/14/2025
February 10, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE HSI San Antonio and our law enforcement partners arrest dangerous criminal aliens during South Texas enforcement action

SAN ANTONIO - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, along with our law enforcement partners, conducted routine, daily enforcement actions in South Texas that began during the week of Jan. 22.

Some of the most violent criminal aliens HSI apprehended and removed from the community, include:

A 35-old Mexican male convicted of drug trafficking and prior deportation, is now facing re-entry after deportation charges. He remains in federal custody.
A 37-year-Honduran male and MS-13 member, convicted of felony fraud and felony weapon offenses remains in federal custody pending his removal from the United States.
A 53-year-old Mexican male convicted of aggravated assault causing bodily injury, possession of a controlled substance. The criminal alien has been previously removed and is now facing re-entry after deportation charges. He remains in federal custody.
A 30-year-old Honduran male convicted for DWI, forgery and re-entry after deportation, remains in federal custody pending his removal from the United States.

"HSI San Antonio remains steadfast in its mission to apprehend individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety," said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "The arrest of these individuals who have flagrantly violated immigration laws and are actively involved in criminal enterprise, is a vital step in strengthening and protecting our communities and the country’s borders.”

Individuals can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

Updated: 02/10/2025
February 11, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesTransnational Gangs, Enforcement and Removal

ICE HSI San Antonio and our law enforcement partners arrest a Tren de Aragua gang member during enforcement action

Great collaboration between @HSI_SanAntonio, @SATXPolice and @EROSanAntonio after they arrested a Tren de Aragua gang member in San Antonio. @ICEgov @HSI_HQ is committed to community safety and focus on justice remains unwavering.

SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, in partnership with our law enforcement partners, arrested a Tren de Aragua gang member, Feb 5.

The 27-year-old male citizen and national of Venezuela was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and is the suspected shooter in an attempted murder investigation in San Antonio. The illegally present alien is currently detained in state custody.

“The successful arrest of a member of the Tren de Aragua gang in San Antonio was made possible through the resolute efforts of HSI and our dedicated local law enforcement partners,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “This arrest highlights our steadfast dedication to the safety of our communities and the relentless pursuit of justice.”

The Tren de Aragua gang is known for engaging in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and violent crimes, which pose a significant threat to our communities. HSI and our partners are dedicated to dismantling these criminal organizations through strategic operations, intelligence-driven investigations, and close cooperation with international, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. By leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we aim to disrupt the operations of these dangerous gangs and bring their members to justice.

Individuals can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 866-DHS-2-ICE.

Updated: 02/12/2025
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February 28, 2025Richmond, VA, United StatesNarcotics

ICE HSI Washington, D.C. investigation lands illegal Dominican alien more than 15 years in prison

RICHMOND, Va. — An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C led to an illegal Dominican national receiving 15 years and eight months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and illegally reentering the United States after a felony conviction. Gregorio Gustavo DeJesus-Santos, 59, received the lengthy prison sentence Feb. 27 at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond.

“Not only did Gregorio Gustavo DeJesus-Santos blatantly ignore U.S. immigration laws, he also attempted to distribute poison in our Virginia neighborhoods,” said ICE HSI Washington, D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “This investigation and subsequent sentencing speak volumes of the cooperation between ICE HSI and our law enforcement partners at the Virginia State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. ICE HSI Washington, D.C. will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement cohorts to prioritize the safety of our communities.”

According to the ICE HSI Washington, D.C. investigation, on Jan. 18, 2024, a trooper with VSP pulled over DeJesus-Santos on I-85 in Mecklenburg County. During the traffic stop, a police canine alerted to the odor of narcotics in Dejesus’ vehicle. VSP searched the car and found a hidden compartment under the passenger seat that extended into the back seat area. The compartment was empty, so VSP released DeJesus-Santos, who traveled to North Carolina.

DeJesus Santos returned to Virginia a short time later, where law enforcement authorities stopped the vehicle for a traffic infraction and, again, a narcotics canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. While searching the vehicle, law enforcement located two packages in the hidden compartment. One of the packages contained 200 grams of fentanyl and the other contained 293 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.

DeJesus Santos acknowledged as part of his guilty plea that he obtained and redistributed at least three additional kilograms of fentanyl.

DeJesus Santos had been found to be illegally in the United States and removed on six previous occasions, beginning in 1996 and most recently on Oct. 18, 2022, after his release from prison on a felony drug charge in New York.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @HSI_DC.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 13, 2025Indianapolis, IN, United StatesOrganized Crime, Transnational Gangs

ICE Indianapolis arrests Venezuelan citizen with ties to Tren de Aragua wanted by Chilean authorities for kidnapping charges

INDIANAPOLIS – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Venezuelan citizen Feb. 11 wanted by Chilean authorities in connection with a kidnapping.

“Thanks to the strong collaboration between U.S. law enforcement and our international counterparts, we were able to apprehend this individual, who has connections to dangerous criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua,” said acting ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Dan Johnsen. “Organized crime groups don’t just pose a significant threat to the communities they operate in but also to the safety and security of countries around the world. Our continued partnership with local, federal and global law enforcement is crucial in dismantling these networks and holding those responsible accountable for their crimes.”

The alien unlawfully entered the U.S. in 2024, bypassing immigration inspection at an undisclosed location in Arizona. Chilean law enforcement authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on charges related to a kidnapping carried out while residing in Chile.

The suspect remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @HSIChicago.

Updated: 03/12/2025
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August 18, 2025Buffalo, NY, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE intervenes, protects community after local prison releases 2 illegal alien child predators

BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Aug. 12, ICE officers arrested Michael Kabiona and Noe Alberto Flores Sandoval — both convicted of heinous felonies against innocent children.

Kabiona is a 54-year-old illegal alien sex offender from the Democratic Republic of Congo who was convicted of sexual misconduct against a child in Buffalo and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Kabiona entered the United States in 2011 and violated the terms of his admission.

Flores Sandoval is a 31-year-old illegal alien and sex predator from El Salvador convicted of attempted rape of a child under 15 in Nassau County and sentenced to three years in prison. Flores illegally reentered the U.S. sometime after his first removal in May 2021.

“There is no place in our society for these vile child predators,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Buffalo Deputy Field Office Director Joseph Freden. “We will continue our congressionally mandated mission to preserve public safety and national security by keeping dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities. I am grateful to our brave officers for their tireless dedication, and to our law enforcement partners for their cooperation and support.”

ICE arrested Kabiona and Flores upon their release from Wende Correctional Facility in Alden. The aliens are detained in ICE custody pending their proceedings and removal from the U.S.

Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to preserve public safety on X at @EROBuffalo.

Updated: 08/18/2025
August 8, 2025Buffalo, NY, United StatesNarcotics

ICE investigation leads to 20-year prison sentence for man who sold fentanyl that caused fatal overdoses

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Davon Mitchell was sentenced July 28 to serve 20 years in prison after he admitted to distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose deaths of two individuals; and selling fentanyl that resulted in the non-fatal overdose of another individual on three occasions.

The 35-year-old Buffalo resident’s sentence was the result of his conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

Read more on Justice.gov.

Updated: 08/08/2025
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Know2Protect Campaign

April 17, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE investigation leads to 30-year sentence for production, distribution of child exploitation material

LOS ANGELES – A San Gabriel Valley man was sentenced April 14 to 360 months in federal prison for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material depicting himself sexually abusing a toddler.

“This lengthy sentence enables the victim and their family to continue toward recovery while bringing to justice the man responsible for that victimization,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Los Angeles Dwayne Angebrandt.

David Lisandro Perez Figueroa, 23, of Monrovia, was sentenced in Central District of California, ordered to pay $2,799 in restitution, and placed on lifetime supervised release. Perez Figueroa pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

From an unknown date until December 2023, Perez Figueroa recorded his sexual abuse of a 2-year-old child for the purpose of making a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.

In July 2023, Perez Figueroa distributed the child sexual abuse material via the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, in an account linked to Perez Figueroa.

British law enforcement, investigating a target in the United Kingdom, discovered the X chat logs with child sexual abuse material and worked with ICE HSI London in providing information to ICE HSI Los Angeles. Based on this information, federal agents executed a search warrant at Perez Figueroa’s residence on December 5, 2023, that resulted in his arrest and the rescue of a minor victim.

ICE HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation and is committed to protecting children from exploitation by predators involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material and travel in foreign commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors.

Report suspected child exploitation to the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.

Learn more about HSI’s mission to protect children in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles. To learn how you can prevent online child sexual exploitation and abuse, visit Know2Protect.gov.

Updated: 05/19/2026
February 3, 2026Midland, TX, United StatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives, Narcotics

ICE investigation leads to 7-year sentence for Midland felon

MIDLAND, Texas — A Midland man was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the Western District of Texas following an investigation by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations El Paso.

Manuel Trevino Padilla, 43, a United States citizen and documented Tango Blast gang member, was arrested on Aug. 19, 2025, during a joint narcotics enforcement operation led by HSI Midland and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office. Officers executed a state narcotics search warrant at Padilla’s residence, where Padilla attempted to flee but was quickly detained. The search resulted in the discovery of two loaded firearms: A semiautomatic handgun and a revolver.

“Taking repeat offenders and illegal firearms off our streets is essential to keeping Midland safe,” said HSI El Paso acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho. “This case shows what’s possible when law enforcement agencies work together to disrupt criminal activity at its source.”

Padilla was charged in a one-count federal indictment on Aug. 27, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Oct. 16. On Jan. 20, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge David Counts sentenced Padilla to 87 months in custody of the Bureau of Prisons followed by three years of supervised release.

Padilla has prior felony convictions in Texas for possession of a controlled substance, and in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, totaling 197 months of confinement.

The investigation was conducted by HSI Midland, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigative Division and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Homeland Security Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.

Read more on Justice.gov

Updated: 02/03/2026
March 5, 2026Boise, ID, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking, Worksite Enforcement

ICE investigation leads to arrest of criminal illegal alien from Guatemala for employing illegal aliens in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho — ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Brayan Adiel Gramajo Reyes, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, Feb. 28 for alleged illegal business practices discovered in a recent human trafficking investigation.

A federal grand jury in Pocatello returned an indictment charging Gramajo with two counts of encouraging illegal entry of aliens to enter the United States, eight counts of using false statements for employment verification by attesting that Social Security numbers were genuine and that the employees were authorized to work in the United States, knowing that was false, and one count of unlawful employment of aliens.

"Rescuing unaccompanied children who are tragically exploited and trafficked is a top HSI priority,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Our investigation underscores HSI’s resolve to enforce our U.S. law and safeguard every child. Additionally, worksite enforcement is central to protecting our communities — targeting illegal employment networks, rescuing victims and stopping fraudulent business practices that harm real Americans.”

According to the HSI investigation, Gramajo persuaded two unaccompanied alien children to travel from Guatemala to the United States with prospects of opportunity, only to require them to work long hours of physical labor after arriving in Idaho.

HSI is dedicated to locating the 450,000 unaccompanied alien children that came in through the border under the Biden administration. Too many of these children were exploited, trafficked and abused. HSI will continue to ramp up efforts and will not stop until every child is found. Sadly, during those four years, many of the children who came across the border unaccompanied were placed with unvetted sponsors who were actually smugglers and sex traffickers. The Trump administration has located more than 132,000 of these children.

Read more on Justice.gov.

Updated: 03/05/2026
May 30, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesDocument and Benefit Fraud

ICE investigation leads to couple charged with marriage fraud, making false statements

CAMDEN, N.J. — An Albanian national was charged with marriage fraud, and he and his wife, an American citizen, were both charged with making false statements on forms submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Newark.

The charges against Elvis Harizaj, 25, of Cherry Hill, and Natasha Flores, 27, of Newark, were announced May 28 by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Camden.

“This couple allegedly undermined the integrity of our U.S. immigration laws by entering into a deceptive marriage for the purpose of obtaining fraudulent legal status to remain in our country,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “These charges should serve as a warning to others that marriage fraud is a federal crime, and we will investigate and prosecute those who try to circumvent our nation’s legal paths to residency.”

According to HSI Newark’s investigation, Harizaj is a citizen of Albania and entered into a sham marriage with Flores for the purpose of obtaining permanent residence in the United States. On forms submitted to USCIS, Harizaj falsely stated that he lived with Flores and Flores falsely stated that she had never been married before. Flores, in fact, had previously been married to a Brazilian national who obtained U.S. citizenship based on his marriage to Flores. In addition, Harizaj was charged with marriage fraud.

The counts of false statements and marriage fraud both have a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of three years of supervised release.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated: 05/30/2025
March 6, 2025Phoenix, AZ, United StatesChild Exploitation, Human Smuggling/Trafficking

ICE investigation leads to Nevada man’s 11-year sentence for sex trafficking a minor

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Tyree Eugene Rideaux, 31, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced, Feb. 25, to 132 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, and subject to registering as lifetime sex offender due to an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations with significant assistance provided by the Mesa Police Department.

Rideaux pleaded guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Minor on Sept. 16, 2024.

“As law enforcement officers, we are used to handling difficult encounters, but few can prepare us for working on human trafficking investigations involving vulnerable children,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola.

Rideaux met the 16-year-old minor, Jane Doe, at a party in Phoenix a short time before Aug. 15, 2021. Jane Doe traveled with Rideaux and two other females to Inglewood, California. Rideaux told Jane Doe to pretend that she was 18 years old. Once in California, Rideaux placed Jane Doe on the “blade,” an area in a city known for high rates of prostitution. Rideaux assigned a fictitious name to Jane Doe and posted commercial sex advertisements of her online for sex buyers. Jane Doe gave the money she earned to Rideaux, as he directed her to do. On August 15, 2021, Jane Doe convinced a sex buyer to take her to a hospital where she could notify police and family, who returned her home.

“Predators who traffic in teenagers and force them into prostitution to support the trafficker’s own lifestyle are deserving of the harshest sentences,” stated Rachel C. Hernandez, Acting United States Attorney. “I’m pleased with the excellent results in this case that came about through the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and our prosecutors.”

“HSI is committed to ensuring sex traffickers face the fullest extent of the law by putting them behind bars for years – significant prison time rightly awaits this trafficker,” Burrola concluded.

ICE HSI conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecutions.

Report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

Updated: 03/06/2025
August 8, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE investigation leads to New Jersey man charged with possession of child sexual abuse material

NEWARK, N.J. — A New Jersey man was charged Aug. 6 with possession of child sexual abuse material after an international investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations. Matthew Ozol, 39, of Jersey City, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography at the U.S. District Court in Newark. HSI Newark executed a search warrant at Ozol’s residence and recovered at least 26 images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

“Another child predator has been brought to justice thanks to the coordinated efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and our international law enforcement partners at Europol,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. “Ozol was identified as a serious threat to vulnerable children, and HSI remains committed to combating child exploitation worldwide through the dedication of our special agents and analysts.”

Read the full story here.

Updated: 08/08/2025