stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
February 24, 2025Charleston, SC, United StatesChild Exploitation, Enforcement and Removal

ICE and Mount Pleasant Police arrest childcare worker, seeks public's help to identify victims

CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in partnership with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, are seeking the public’s help to identify possible victims in an ongoing child sexual exploitation investigation involving a low country man who worked at a local daycare before becoming a private babysitter in Sullivans Island, Moncks Corner, and Mount Pleasant.

On Feb. 19, ICE and the MPPD arrested Brandon Brill on child exploitation charges after local law enforcement initiated an investigation into a minor being extorted for child sexual abuse material images. This criminal act is commonly referred to as Sextortion. Brill had been employed as a private babysitter since at least 2021 and worked at a local daycare in 2022. Between 2023 and 2025, Brill had advertised his babysitting services on Facebook and Nanny Lane for the low country area.

Due to his online sextortion activity and employment, authorities with the two agencies are seeking information that may help identify potential victims Brill may have engaged or exploited. If your child, or a child you know, was in contact with Brandon Brill, please contact the tip line.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators, sextortion activity related to minors, and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196. Please mention your tip is related to this press release.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. ICE works in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ICAC partners and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children. You can report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 800-THE-LOST.

Updated: 02/25/2025
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VOICE

April 28, 2025Houghton Lake, MI, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE and U.S. Border Patrol assist in local sex crime investigation involving previously deported illegal alien

HOUGHTON LAKE, Mich – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol assisted the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation and arrest of an illegal alien accused of raping an 18-year-old girl April 25.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations Traverse City special agents and USBP agents from USBP Station Sault Ste Marie assisted in the apprehension of Leocado Hernandez-Garcia, an illegal alien from Mexico who has been removed from the United States twice.

Hernadez-Garcia faces five felony counts of criminal sexual conduct.

Hernandez-Garcia was deported from the United States in 2014. He was encountered again in 2023 and expelled under Title 42. He reentered the United States a third time at unknown date and location without inspection by an immigration official.

“ICE HSI Detroit is committed to assisting our local partners like the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office on crimes involving illegal aliens in their jurisdiction,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Our thoughts are with the victim at this time, and we hope that these recent steps toward justice and accountability can help her on the road to recovery and healing.”

“This is another example of the results we achieve through strong partnerships with our local and federal law enforcement agencies," said Javier Geronimo, Jr., Detroit Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent. "Thanks to this collaboration, a repeat immigration offender accused of raping a teenager is now under arrest, along with two other illegal aliens. We remain committed to protecting our community through teamwork and vigilance.”

The Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office investigation remains ongoing with the continued assistance of ICE HSI and USBP.

ICE HSI and USBP encountered two additional illegal aliens during this investigation that were taken into custody pending immigration proceedings.

ICE established the Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office to acknowledge and serve the needs of victims and families who have been affected by crimes committed by individuals with a nexus to immigration violations.

The VOICE has a toll-free hotline staffed by operators to ensure victims receive the support they need. The number is 1-855-48-VOICE.

Updated: 06/13/2025
October 29, 2025Washington , DC, United StatesDetainee Death Notifications

ICE announces death of illegal alien from Honduras after alien fled authorities

WASHINGTON D.C. — Jose Castro-Rivera, a 25-year-old illegal alien from Honduras resisted arrest and ran into a busy freeway to evade ICE officers in Norfolk, Virginia. He was fatally struck by a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at approximately 11:15 a.m. by Norfolk Fire Department paramedics.

On Oct. 23, 2025, ICE officers made a vehicle stop as part of a targeted, intelligence-based immigration enforcement operation. Upon determining the vehicle’s occupants were in the United States illegally, officers began detaining the occupants of the targeted vehicle. However, Castro-Rivera resisted and fled the scene onto a busy highway, creating a significant safety risk to himself and the general public. Unfortunately, a passing vehicle struck Castro-Rivera.

An ICE officer attempted to perform lifesaving measures. However, Castro-Rivera died at the scene.

Virginia State Police notified Jose Castro-Rivera's brother of the death.

ICE notified the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Honduran consulate of Castro-Rivera’s death, as required by agency policy.

ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders and the media upon an official report of a detained illegal alien’s death, and per agency policy, posts a news release with relevant details on the ICE public website within two business days. You can access this information in ICE.gov’s Newsroom. Additionally, congressional requirements described in the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018 require ICE to make public all reports regarding an in-custody death within 90 days. These reports may be accessed on the Detainee Death Reporting page.

ICE remains committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility; a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility; access to medical appointments, and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during ICE detention is an alien denied emergent care.

Reports of in-custody deaths are posted on the ICE website within two business days, and additional details are made public within 90 days.

Updated: 10/29/2025
January 3, 2026Washington, DC, United StatesLaw Enforcement

ICE announces historic 120% manpower increase thanks to recruitment campaign that brought in 12,000 officers and agents

WASHINGTON — ICE today announced that its unprecedented nationwide recruitment campaign has shattered expectations, hiring more than 12,000 officers and employees in less than a year.

After receiving more than 220,000 applications from patriotic Americans to join ICE, the agency blew past its original hiring target of 10,000 new officers and agents within a year. In fact, it has more than doubled ICE personnel from 10,000 to 22,000. With these new patriots on the team, ICE will be able to accomplish what many said was impossible and fulfill President Trump’s promise to make America safe again.

“The good news is that thanks to the Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed, we have an additional 12,000 ICE officers and agents on the ground across the country,” said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “That’s a 120% increase in our workforce. And that’s in just about four months.”

Thousands of these newly hired officers and agents are already deployed nationwide and actively supporting enforcement operations, including arrests, investigations and removals. The accelerated hiring tempo has allowed ICE to place officers in the field faster than any previous recruitment effort in the agency’s history.

The recruitment initiative used data-driven outreach efforts to recruit qualified, patriotic Americans from across the country. As a result, ICE was able to exceed its hiring surge target while maintaining rigorous standards for training and readiness.

ICE continues to accept applications and encourages individuals interested in federal law enforcement careers to learn more at

join.ice.gov

.

Updated: 01/03/2026
December 18, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesOperational

ICE announces most successful federal law enforcement agency recruitment campaign in American history

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has received over 220,000 applications for more than 10,000 ICE officer positions, has officially hired 11,751 law enforcement officers, criminal investigators, attorneys and mission support staff under President Donald J. Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership.

“ICE was established in the wake of 9/11, and it’s inspiring to witness so many dedicated individuals step forward to protect our homeland,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “I encourage all those who are committed to safeguarding our nation to apply and join this important mission. There is always a place for public servants who prioritize the security and well-being of America.”

“Thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ICE has the resources necessary to enforce immigration law as it’s been written and codified by Congress,” said ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan. “The president and Secretary Noem set a goal and we exceeded it, but that doesn’t mean we’re done. We continue to call on American patriots to serve the homeland because we know that there’s still more work to do — and we will not stop until every community in this nation is safe.”

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill enables ICE to offer unparalleled recruiting incentives, including:

A signing bonus of up to $50,000
Up to $60,000 in student loan repayment
Up to 25% in premium pay

The agency also offers attractive benefits packages, including health, dental and vision insurance; life and long-term care insurance; a retirement plan; eligibility for the Thrift Savings Plan; flexible spending accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; personal and sick leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Opportunities exist for Americans with integrity and courage who want to protect our nation from crime, smuggling, terrorism and criminal illegal aliens as deportation officers, criminal investigators, and attorneys, including those for people already serving in law enforcement roles who want to work for a federal agency with a global mission.

Interested applicants can get more information and apply to Defend the Homeland at JOIN.ICE.GOV.

Updated: 12/18/2025
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Related Information

For more information on EOIR, visit: justice.gov/eoir.

March 11, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE apprehends fugitive alien wanted for homicide following prison escape in Haiti

BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Wilbert Jean-Baptiste, a 38-year-old convicted murderer wanted in Haiti following a prison escape, Feb. 4.

Jean-Baptiste was initially apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on Oct. 31, 2023, after illegally entering the United States near Brownsville, Texas. He subsequently was released with a notice to appear before an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review. The judge issued an order for his removal to Haiti on May 17, 2024. However, Jean-Baptiste remained in the U.S., pending additional immigration proceedings.

ICE was notified by the Haitian government on Feb. 3, that Jean-Baptiste was wanted for homicide and had escaped from a Haitian prison and arrested him in Massachusetts the following day.

“This apprehension demonstrates ICE’s relentless commitment to pursuing fugitives and ensuring they face justice, no matter where they attempt to hide,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde. “Through ongoing collaboration with our international law enforcement partners, ICE proves that no criminal will escape accountability.”

Jean-Baptiste remains in ICE custody pending his removal to Haiti.

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’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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March 11, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE apprehends illegal alien with ties to Nicaraguan massacre and Mexican drug cartel

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Javier Zeledon Reyes, 56, an illegal alien and citizen of Nicaragua, in Hyattsville, March 6, after he admitted during immigration proceedings to massacring approximately 20 people in the 1990s while serving in the Nicaraguan army.

“This arrest highlights exactly why ICE is vital to the safety of our nation,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “This individual, while in proceedings, admitted to his horrific past— massacring innocent people and later aiding a ruthless drug cartel in Mexico. His presence in the United States was a direct threat to public safety, and thanks to the diligent work of our officers, he will no longer be able to hide in our communities. ICE remains committed to identifying, arresting, and removing dangerous criminals who have no place in our neighborhoods.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Zeledon at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, March 29, 2023, and issued him a notice to appear.

Zeledon attended a hearing before an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review, March 5. Zeledon freely admitted during the hearing to serving in the Nicaraguan military from 1995 to 1996 and firing an AK-47 into a crowd of civilians, killing approximately 20 people. Zeledon also admitted he relocated to Mexico and provided material support to a cartel. The immigration judge ordered Zeledon removed from the United States to Nicaragua.

Zeledon remains in ICE custody pending his removal.

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 at @EROBaltimore.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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October 30, 2025Fairfax County, VA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE apprehends Salvadoran illegal alien previously arrested 10 times and charged with 19 crimes, including malicious shooting, unlawful wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and assault and battery

Sanctuary county refused to honor ICE detainers and released violent criminal alien from custody

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers from Washington, D.C. arrested an illegal alien from El Salvador with an exhaustive criminal history that includes arrests for three counts of malicious shooting, unlawful wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, assault and battery, assault on a family member, grand larceny, trespassing, possessing a false government identification, orderly conduct, public intoxication, disturbing the peace and making a false statement to a law enforcement officer. ICE officers arrested Jorge Armando Melendez-Gonzalez, 27, after Fairfax County officials refused to honor an ICE immigration detainer and released him back into the community.

“Jorge Armando Melendez-Gonzalez is a career criminal with a propensity toward violence. He is exactly the kind of criminal alien offender that ICE detainers protect the members our communities against,” said ICE ERO Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “When sanctuary jurisdictions refuse to honor ICE detainers, they only endanger the people they purport to protect. ICE will continue to prioritize the safety of our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities by arresting and removing such criminal alien offenders from our streets.”

U.S. Border Patrol arrested Melendez-Gonzalez after he illegally entered the United States June 22, 2015. A Justice Department immigration judge ordered Melendez-Gonzalez removed from the United States to El Salvador Oct. 4, 2016; however, Melendez-Gonzalez refused to leave the country.

Between March 19, 2018, and July 18, 2025, Melendez-Gonzalez was arrested ten times and charged with 19 different crimes.

ICE Washington, D.C. lodged two immigration detainers against Melendez-Gonzalez with the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. One on Aug. 28, 2023, and another on July 18. On both occasions, Fairfax County officials refused to honor the immigration detainer and released this dangerous criminal alien back into the community.

ICE officers arrested Melendez-Gonzalez Oct. 24, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia, after Fairfax County officials refused to honor ICE’s July 18 immigration detainer and released him back into the community.

If you have information about criminal alien activity in your community, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or complete the online tip form.

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

Updated: 10/30/2025
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May 28, 2025Dallas, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE apprehends Venezuelan woman who fled the scene of jet ski accident that killed woman on kayak at Lake Grapevine

DALLAS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in a joint operation with state and federal law enforcement, arrested Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, a 22-year-old citizen of Venezuela in Dallas on May 27, following a state warrant execution for felony manslaughter.

Gonzales was operating a personal watercraft with a female passenger at high speed near the shoreline of Oak Grove Park May 25, when she collided with a kayak occupied by 18-year-old Ava Moore. The collision resulted in Moore’s death. Gonzalez fled the scene with her passenger on board.

Gonzalez and the passenger returned to Oak Grove Park. The passenger remained on the scene with witnesses and was interviewed by Grapevine Police Department while Gonzalez left in a vehicle with 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo, also of Venezuela.

Perozo has been charged with hindering apprehension. As the investigation unfolds, more state charges could be filed.

“This criminal alien and her boyfriend will account for the tragic accident that ended the life of a young woman who exhibited enormous potential,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas acting Field Office Director Josh Johnson. “ICE Dallas will remain steadfast in our commitment to arresting and removing criminal aliens who pose threats to the safety of our communities.”

ERO Dallas lodged immigration detainers with the Grapevine Police Department following Gonzalez and Coello’s arrests. Both are in removal proceedings pursuant to the policies of the Immigration and Nationality Act as aliens present without admission or parole.

“Our partnerships with law enforcement across jurisdictions are key during these types of investigations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “This investigation will continue to be driven by facts, evidence and a firm commitment to justice. The arrests of these two illegal aliens reflect the diligence and professionalism of our law enforcement team.”

On Sept. 28, 2023, Gonzalez illegally entered the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration officer. On the same day, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested and processed Gonzalez with a Notice to Appear and released her on an order of recognizance.

On Jan. 22, 2023, Coello arrived at the Camino Real Port of Entry without authorization. He was released pending an immigration hearing.

This investigation included law enforcement officials from ERO Dallas, HSI Dallas, the Texas Department of Wildlife, the Grapevine Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Office of the Attorney General, the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas U.S. Marshals office.

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: @ERODallas or @HSI_Dallas.

Updated: 06/13/2025
March 28, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesNarcotics

ICE Arizona, multiagency case results in Nogales man sentenced to 10 years in prison for methamphetamine possession, intent to distribute

TUCSON, Ariz. – A Nogales man was sentenced last week to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

“Storing to distribute deadly drugs requires a person lacking a moral compass,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge for Arizona, Francisco B. Burrola. “HSI and our federal partners are committed to weeding out people that look to plague our communities with drugs, we will not stand for it. The defendant in this case will have a decade in prison to think of his actions that cost him his freedom.”

Sergio Humberto Ramos, 73, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, admitting that he was paid to store the drugs at a trucking yard near Nogales until they could be transported.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney, David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

Updated: 03/28/2025