December 20, 2025Columbus, OH, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

OPERATION BUCKEYE: ICE arrests the worst of the worst from Ohio, with convictions including felony drug possession, assault, DUIs and more

ICE is fighting to keep the Buckeye State safe from illegal alien crime

COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Dec. 16, ICE launched Operation Buckeye, targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Columbus and throughout Ohio.

“We operate in Ohio every day, but we recently surged our resources there under Operation Buckeye,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “Since Jan. 20, we’ve arrested drug traffickers, spousal abusers, thieves and worse. Many of the people we’ve arrested have final orders of removal dating back years — and none of them had legal authorization to be in the United States in the first place.”

ICE has arrested the following criminal illegal aliens in Ohio, including during this week’s operation.

Surinder Singh, a criminal illegal alien from India. He was convicted of attempted abduction and sentenced to a year and five months in prison. In 2023, he was charged with a sex offense and strongarm rape.

Abdirisiq Hassan Mohamed, 43, a criminal illegal alien from Somalia. He’s been convicted of two counts of felony drug possession, criminal trespassing, theft of services and disorderly conduct. His criminal history also includes arrests and charges for drug trafficking, terrorizing and refusing to submit to arrest.

Wilmar Edgardo Lozano-Alcantara, a 24-year-old criminal illegal alien from El Salvador. He’s been convicted of felony robbery, felony possession of a controlled substance, felony probation violation and misdemeanor criminal trespassing. His criminal history also includes arrests and charges for two more counts of criminal trespassing, drug possession and petty theft.

Ignacio Giron-Giron, a 47-year-old criminal illegal alien from Guatemala. He’s been convicted twice of DUI, second-degree wanton endangerment, fourth-degree assault, contempt of court, possession of an open container in a motor vehicle, public intoxication, shoplifting and third-degree trespassing.

Jose Francisco Diaz-Lopez, a 31-year-old criminal illegal alien from El Salvador. He’s been convicted of assault, which he pleaded down from a domestic violence charge involving knowingly causing physical harm. He’s also been arrested for disorderly conduct.

Edilmiro Pedraza-Quinones, a criminal illegal alien with multiple convictions including drug possession, two convictions of dangerous drugs, and contempt of court.

Samy Javier Amendarez Mejia, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, on Dec. 14. He was arrested for burglary and stolen vehicle charges on Jan. 7, 2024, after illegally entering the U.S. on Oct. 15, 2023.

On Dec. 8, ICE removed Cesar Ovidio Ruiz-Mencia, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras who’d been convicted of robbery.

Agustin Juarez-Rojop, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, on Nov. 29. He was convicted of disorderly conduct and criminal trespass, underage consumption, public urination and DUI. He was also arrested for marijuana possession, burglary and resisting arrest.

Ramon Guzman Jiminez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison. He had been deported four separate times.

You 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 public safety mission on X at @ICEgov.

Updated: 12/20/2025