stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
April 16, 2025Raleigh, NC, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE lodges immigration detainer against Mexican national arrested on allegations of kidnapping, rape of minor

RALEIGH, N.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer against Victor Villalba-Bustamante, a 41-year-old Mexican illegal alien, following his arrest by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Sanford Police Department April 9. Villalba-Bustamante’s arrest stems from an incident in which he was found in a hotel room with a 14-year-old female victim who was reported missing.

He has been criminally charged with two counts of statutory rape, abduction of a child, felony conspiracy to commit abduction, second-degree kidnapping, and solicitation of a minor by computer. The victim had been reported missing after failing to return home from school.

Villalba-Bustamante has no prior criminal history however, due to the nature and severity of the criminal charges, ICE Homeland Security Investigations immediately lodged a detainer to ensure he remains in custody.

“The safety and protection of children is one of our top priorities,” said ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge Charlotte Cardell T. Morant, who also oversees North and South Carolina. “HSI and our law enforcement partners are working diligently to determine the full scope of this case, including any indicators of human trafficking or exploitation. We remain committed to holding accountable those who prey on vulnerable populations.”

ICE HSI Raleigh along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Sanford Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and other state and local partners are looking into other potential crimes.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details will be released at this time.

Updated: 04/16/2025
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May 14, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Los Angeles announces 239 illegal aliens were arrested during recent operation

LOS ANGELES - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 239 illegal aliens during a weeklong operation from May 4 to May 10 focused on bolstering public safety in the greater Los Angeles area.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and interagency partners, identified, detained and removed dangerous criminals throughout Los Angeles and surrounding cities. Criminal aliens in the U.S. illegally should utilize the CBP Home app to self-deport and avoid arrest by ICE.

Among the criminal aliens arrested during the operation included:

Lan Pham, 49, of Vietnam, convicted involuntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, parole violations, drug violations and more.

Manuel Angel Rodriguez Martinez, 40, of El Salvador, accused of aggravated rape of a minor or incapacitated individual in the category of continuing crime in his home country.

Jorge Artero Meza-Rodriquez, 52, of Mexico, convicted of vehicle theft, assault with a deadly weapon and illegal reentry to the United States.

Sung Park, 52, of Korea, convicted of voluntary manslaughter.

Several federal law enforcement agencies assisted ICE during the operation including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service, along with state and local law enforcement partners.

Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Follow us on X at @ICEgov to learn more about ERO’s missions and operations.

Learn more about ICE Los Angeles’ mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROLosAngeles.

Download b-roll of an arrest made during the operation.

Updated: 05/14/2025
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May 16, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesLaw Enforcement

ICE Los Angeles arrests 2 individuals for interfering in law enforcement operations

LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents arrested two males May 13 for criminal conspiracy offenses related to impeding an officer.

Gustavo Torres, 28, and Kiara Jaime-Flores, 34, both from Los Angeles, were arrested for conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer.

The arrests stem from an incident that occurred Feb. 28 that involved ICE Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol agents who were serving four criminal search and arrest warrants to a known transnational criminal organization allegedly involved with international human smuggling. As the agents were departing the area in identifiable government vehicles, Torres and Jaime-Flores were observed following the agents, then allegedly using their vehicle to cut off the agents by conducting blocking maneuvers, then speeding up, pulling in front of the government vehicles, and stopping abruptly in what was thought to be an attempt to cause a collision.

“Impeding law enforcement activity is not only dangerous, it’s illegal,” said acting ICE HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “HSI is committed to carrying out their law enforcement duties in a professional manner without being incumbered by those looking to impede lawful enforcement actions.”

This is an ongoing ICE investigation.

If convicted, Torres and Flores would face a statutory maximum sentence of six years in federal prison.

Indictments contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Anyone with information on attempts to unlawfully disrupt U.S. law enforcement is encouraged to call the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.

Learn more about HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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April 30, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesDocument and Benefit Fraud

ICE Los Angeles, multiagency case dismantles identity theft mill, organized retail scheme spanning 7 California counties

Photos related to this investigation from the California Office of the Attorney General

LOS ANGELES — Felony charges were filed April 25 against three people involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were used in an organized retail crime scheme. The scheme involved suspects applying for store credit cards using stolen identities and credit lines to purchase merchandise. The fraud scheme was carried out in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted the investigation led by the California Department of Justice based on a referral from a Signet Jeweler’s Corporate Fraud Investigator, in cooperation by Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and Westminster Police department.

“These arrests are the result of excellent collaboration between HSI, private industry, state and local law enforcement partners,” ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orange County Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bracken. “HSI will work tirelessly with our partners in California to ensure that those who commit fraud will be held accountable.”

As a result of the investigation, a 34-count felony complaint was filed against three defendants by DOJ. The charges include organized retail theft, grand theft, and identity theft of 13 victims.

“I am committed to using the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a malicious, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities. I am thankful to Signet Jewelers as well as our local and state law enforcement partners for their collaboration in the battle against organized retail crime. We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity all together.”

From March 2023 to July 2023, the defendants fraudulently obtained over $100,000 worth of merchandise from high end retail stores and Harbor Freight retailers.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza. “By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we continue to strengthen our efforts, disrupt criminal networks, protect both businesses and our communities, while holding individuals accountable.”

Updated: 08/19/2025
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March 6, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesFinancial Crimes

ICE Los Angeles, multiple agency case results in 2 Cuban nationals sentenced for fraudulent dispute scheme

LOS ANGELES – Two local area men were sentenced Feb. 24, in the Central District of California for their involvement in a fraudulent dispute scheme. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force conducted this investigation collaboratively with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

“This conviction highlights our agency efforts to safeguard our economy as well as take dangerous criminals off the street,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Los Angeles Al Rossi. “The El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators who prey on innocent victims and decide to undermine our financial infrastructure are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.”

Alejandro Munoz and Abel Pena-Garcia, who are identical twins, were involved in a fraudulent dispute scheme that targeted third party payment platforms, like PayPal and Square.

Additionally, the two were suspected of defrauding the United States Treasury Department. Munoz was sentenced to 75 months confinement for Aggravated Identity Theft, with three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $477,396.74 in restitution. Pena-Garcia was sentenced to 41 months confinement for Attempt and Conspiracy, with three years of supervised release.

Anyone with information on financial fraud are encouraged to call the Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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May 9, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesEnforcement and Removal, Transnational Gangs

ICE makes significant arrest of MS-13 gang member wanted in home country

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 38-year-old criminal alien Joel Armando Mejia-Benitez, a Salvadoran national, May 5 in Silver Spring. Mejia is a validated MS-13 gang member and is wanted in his home country for firearms offenses.

“The arrest of this violent MS-13 gang member is a critical step in our ongoing mission to safeguard our communities,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “We remain steadfast in prioritizing public safety and protecting national security by targeting and removing dangerous criminal aliens who threaten the well-being of our Maryland residents.”

The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Mejia near Sullivan City, Texas, Nov. 22, 2004, and served him a notice to appear. A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Mejia removed in absentia Dec. 14, 2005.

ICE Baltimore arrested Mejia from Prince George’s County Detention Center Sept. 28, 2006. ICE removed Mejia from the United States to El Salvador Dec. 13, 2006.

Mejia reentered the United States on an unknown date at an unknown location without being inspected, admitted or paroled by an immigration officer. ICE Baltimore arrested Mejia and served him a notice of intent to reinstate prior order March 20, 2014.

Mejia has a final order of removal and will remain in ICE custody.

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, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

Updated: 06/13/2025
August 27, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE, Metro PD arrest illegal Mexican alien previously charged with sex crimes against Virginia child

Local jurisdiction ignored ICE detainer, released alien back into community

WASHINGTON — Special agents from ICE Homeland Security Investigations working in partnership with officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department arrested an illegal 35-year-old Mexican alien who was previously charged with sex crimes against a Virginia child. Agents and officers arrested David Perez-Teofani, 35, near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Aug. 20.

ICE made the arrest as part of President Trump’s federal initiative to make Washington, D.C. safe and beautiful again.

“David Perez-Teofani caused a scene by screaming and crying crocodile tears for everyone to see at the scene of his arrest, but we have no sympathy for accused pedophiles and immigration offenders,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Perez-Teofani has illegally reentered the United States after two previous removals and then captured in Fairfax County for suspected sex crimes against a child. The previous administration may have been fine with these alien offenders roaming the streets of our nation’s capital, but under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we have been empowered to clean up the streets and remove these criminals.”

Perez-Teofani illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without having been inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official. U.S. immigration officials encountered Perez-Teofani and issued him an expedited removal order Sept. 26, 2014. ICE removed Perez-Teofani from the United States to Mexico Nov. 9, 2014.

On Nov. 16, 2014, Perez-Teofani attempted to illegally reenter the United States as an imposter using a U.S. passport at the San Ysidro, California, port of entry. Immigration officials arrested Perez-Teofani and reinstated his order of removal. ICE again removed Perez-Teofani from the United States to Mexico Nov. 23, 2014. However, some time afterward, he illegally reentered the United States.

Fairfax County Police arrested Perez-Teofani Jan. 30, 2024, and charged him with felony indecent liberties-proposed sex acts and aggravated sexual battery of a victim less than 13 years old.

Later that day, ICE Washington, D.C. lodged an immigration detainer against Perez-Teofani with the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. However, the detention center refused to honor the ICE detainer and released Perez-Teofani back into the community on an unknown date.

Although the Fairfax County district attorney refused to prosecute Perez-Teofani on the charges of indecent liberties, ICE will still remove him from the country.

Updated: 08/27/2025
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February 14, 2025Austin, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE, multi-agency partners arrest suspected TdA gang member previously convicted of attempting to smuggling firearms

ICE Austin along with law enforcement partners arrested a suspected TdA gang member for being in the country illegally. He is a prior felon who was convicted and sentenced for firearms smuggling. He is now facing removal from the U.S.

AUSTIN, Texas - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety arrested an illegally present Venezuelan national who is also a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua prison gang.

The 34-year-old male gang member was arrested Feb. 6 during a routine daily enforcement action. During record checks, agents learned that he was previously convicted and sentenced for attempting to smuggle firearms out of the United States.

“The arrest of a suspected TdA gang member, previously convicted of firearms smuggling, marks a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “This apprehension is a testament to the diligent work of our law enforcement agencies in rooting out criminal activity and safeguarding our communities."

He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

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 (1-866-2423) or by completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to increase public safety in Central and South Texas communities on X: @HSI_SanAntonio.

Updated: 02/14/2025
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May 7, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesOrganized Crime, Financial Crimes

ICE, multiagency case dismantles active identity of theft mill, organized retail scheme spanning 7 California counties

Photos related to this investigation from the California Office of the Attorney General

LOS ANGELES – Felony charges were filed April 24, against three people involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were used in an organized retail crime scheme. This investigation began with a referral from a Signet Jeweler’s Corporate Fraud Investigator and led by the California Department of Justice with collaboration from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and Westminster Police department.

“These arrests are the result of excellent collaboration between HSI, private industry, state and local law enforcement partners,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orange County Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bracken. “HSI will work tirelessly with our partners in California to ensure that those who commit fraud will be held accountable.”

The scheme involved suspects applying for store credit cards using stolen identities, then using those credit lines to purchase merchandise with no intention to pay them back. The scheme was carried out in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.

As a result of the investigation, a 34-count felony complaint was filed against three defendants by DOJ. The charges include organized retail theft, grand theft, and identity theft of 13 victims.

“I am committed to using the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General for California Rob Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a malicious, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities. I am thankful to Signet Jewelers as well as our local and state law enforcement partners for their collaboration in the battle against organized retail crime. We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity all together.”

From March 2023 to July 2023, the defendants fraudulently obtained over $100,000 worth of merchandise from high end retail stores and Harbor Freight retailers.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza. “By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we continue to strengthen our efforts, disrupt criminal networks, protect both businesses and our communities, while holding individuals accountable.”

An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Updated: 08/19/2025
May 27, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesNarcotics

ICE, multiagency case results in Mexican national sentenced to 88 months in prison for role in drug conspiracy

TUCSON, Ariz. — A Mexican national was sentenced May 12 to 88 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a drug conspiracy. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and the DEA conducted the investigation in this case.

“The defendant will have over seven years in prison to think of the drugs he sought to peddle into our communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “HSI and our law enforcement partners are firmly committed to stopping criminals from peddling dangerous drugs in the Tucson area — drugs destroy neighborhoods and rip families apart — this criminal activity must stop.”

Following his prison term, German Montano-Peralta, 33, of Nacozari, Sonora, Mexico, will also be on three years of supervised release. Montano-Peralta previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

On April 30, 2024, in Tucson, Montano-Peralta and others possessed approximately 40 kilograms of powder and pills containing fentanyl and more than 55 pounds of methamphetamine, which they intended to deliver to others later that day.

This investigation was a collaborative effort between federal law enforcement agencies and is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative in Southern Arizona that is being led by the Arizona Strike Force located in Tucson. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

Updated: 05/27/2025
July 16, 2025Providence, RI, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE New England administratively arrests alleged child predator, Guatemalan national recently charged with attempting to solicit a minor for commercial sex

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — ICE New England administratively arrested an illegally present Guatemalan national who had recently been charged and released on bond in the State of Rhode Island for allegedly engaging a minor for the purpose of sex.

Josue Santiago Perez Gomez, 29, was taken into ICE custody on July 12, one day after he was arrested by local authorities in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on charges of patronizing a minor for commercial sex, indecent solicitation of a child, and procurement of sexual conduct for a fee.

“This individual’s administrative arrest underscores HSI New England’s commitment to targeted enforcement that works to identify individuals seeking to cause harm to our communities, including and especially children,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI will continue to work with our partners to enforce laws that uphold national security and the safety and wellbeing of our neighborhoods.”

Upon his release from criminal custody, ICE HSI and ERO personnel administratively arrested Perez Gomez, who was illegally present in the U.S. after having entered the country at an unknown time without inspection.

Perez Gomez remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

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.

Updated: 07/16/2025