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January 21, 2025Sioux Falls, SD, United StatesChild Exploitation, Human Smuggling/Trafficking

HSI St. Paul investigation lands 10-year sentence for Guatemalan in child sex trafficking case

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Guatemala man to 10 years in federal prison after he was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor using the internet and attempted sex trafficking of a child following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Sioux Falls investigation. The charge of attempted enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Gerber David Santos-Gonzalez, age 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He was found guilty following a jury trial in October 2024.

On Jan. 13, 2025, Santos-Gonzalez was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Santos-Gonzalez is required to register as a sex offender once released from federal prison.

“This sentencing sends a clear message that the exploitation of children is an atrocious crime that will not be tolerated,” said HSI St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt. “The trauma inflicted on victims is immeasurable, and thanks to the tireless efforts of HSI Sioux Falls and our dedicated law enforcement partners, justice has been served. A dangerous predator has been removed from our community, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children.”

The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 12, 2024, when Santos-Gonzalez used Facebook and Facebook Messenger to convince a 15-year-old girl to have sex with him in exchange for $100. The 15-year-old girl was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Santos-Gonzalez was arrested when he attempted to meet up with the girl in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

This case was investigated by HSI, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Watertown Police Department, Tea Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

Santos-Gonzalez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

Learn more about HSI St. Paul’s mission to fight child exploitation within your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSISaintPaul.

Updated: 06/13/2025
January 31, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesOrganized Crime, Narcotics

HSI Tucson, DEA, U.S. Marshals arrest 2 illegal aliens previously convicted for aggravated felonies

TUCSON, Ariz. — A Mexican national illegally in the United States was arrested Jan. 25 by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The arrest unfolded after agents discovered information on the whereabouts of one of the illegal alien who was previously convicted for a felony, after fleeing the scene of an accident involving a death/serious injuries. Additionally, records checks revealed this suspect was under investigation by both HSI and DEA for participating in a transnational criminal organization allegedly trafficking cocaine and fentanyl in Tucson.

At approximately 2 p.m., agents observed the suspect exit a residence along with two other individuals. The three suspects entered a car and went to the Home Depot located at the intersection of Dodge Blvd and Broadway Ave in Tucson. Agents followed the vehicle to the parking lot and waited for the suspects to return to their vehicle from Home Depot. Once the three suspects returned to the vehicle, HSI, U.S. Marshals and DEA agents detained the individuals and confirmed their identities and citizenship.

One of the three suspects detained was a United States citizen who was released at the scene. The third suspect was identified as a Mexican citizen also illegally present in the United States. Records checks identified the third suspect had a prior aggravated felony conviction for sexual assault in 2005, after which he was deported.

Both individuals were administratively detained for re-entering the United States without inspection or parole and both are in ICE custody pending the outcome of their immigration cases.

The success of these arrests is due to the significant assistance from DEA and the U.S. Marshals.

Updated: 02/06/2025
April 29, 2026Newark, NJ, United StatesChild Exploitation

HSI, US Marshals arrest fugitive in New Jersey wanted for sex crimes against children in Israel

NEWARK, N.J. — ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested a foreign fugitive in Lakewood who is wanted in Israel for sex crimes against children.

Following an investigation and coordination between international and U.S. law enforcement agencies, Yechiel Yehoshua Farkash, a 43-year-old Lakewood resident, was taken into federal custody without incident April 17 by HSI special agents and members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting New Jersey by enhancing border security and ensuring the United States does not become a haven for criminal fugitives,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. “Through robust collaboration with HSI Los Angeles, the U.S. Marshals Service and our global law enforcement partners, we proactively identify individuals who threaten public safety and diligently pursue justice for those accused of serious indecent acts against minors. The United States will not provide sanctuary to those seeking to escape accountability.”

HSI Newark, HSI Los Angeles and the U.S. Marshals Service began working together when they were notified Israeli authorities sought to prosecute Farkas for attempted rape and indecent acts involving children based on acts committed in Israel between 2020 and 2023. Pursuant to the U.S.-Israel extradition treaty, the government of Israel requested provisional arrest with a view toward extradition, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey obtained a provisional arrest warrant in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Learn more about this case here.

Updated: 04/29/2026
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November 17, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking, Worksite Enforcement

HSTF apprehends labor recruiter in California for alleged worker exploitation in visa fraud scheme

LOS ANGELES — ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Santa Maria arrested three illegal aliens from Mexico and a U.S. citizen for violation of immigration and federal laws on visa fraud and fraud in foreign labor contracting Nov. 13. The scheme involved forcing workers to pay illegal fees and threatening deportation or violence if they fell behind on payments or complained to authorities.

HSI, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, under the combined effort and authority of the Homeland Security Task Force, conducted the investigation.

A labor recruiter named Jorge Vasquez is accused of leading a scheme to exploit migrants participating in the H-2A seasonal farm-labor visa program while employed by JJB Farms LLC and others.

Under the alleged scheme, Vasquez and others in Mexico recruited workers to apply for an H-2A visa to work in the U.S. Vasquez would demand that workers pay large fees in exchange for the opportunity, much of it through deductions from their farm worker wages. That’s a violation of the H-2A visa rules and a violation of federal peonage laws. Some critics have described such practices as a form of modern-day slavery.

In one instance, Vasquez told a worker he would charge him $8,000 for a visa — including a $1,000 deposit to Vasquez, with the remainder coming from the worker’s farm earnings.

Vasquez also threatened to tell immigration officials if recruits failed to comply with the “pay-to-play” scheme or their productivity fell below an acceptable level, and used intimidation tactics, threatening workers’ families if they complained or spoke to the U.S. government’s inspectors about their treatment.

HSTF is a crucial part of President Trump’s mission to create safe neighborhoods for all Americans so that mothers, fathers and children can enjoy the quality of life they deserve, free from the dangers of drug overdoses, organized crime and human traffickers preying on our most vulnerable.

HSTF’s success thus far is a testament to what can happen when the federal government puts the American people first.

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 Los Angeles’ public safety mission on X at @HSILosAngeles.

Updated: 11/17/2025
April 3, 2025Phoenix, AZ, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

Human smuggling coordinator sentenced following ICE Arizona, law enforcement partner investigation

PHOENIX — Greiby Melissa Barcelo-Velasquez was sentenced March 25 to 30 months in prison for her role in smuggling over 100 Colombians into the United States. The investigation, conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol Sector Intelligence Unit, began in late 2023 after numerous Colombian nationals identified the 39-year-old as their smuggling coordinator.

“The defendant and her associates blatantly disregarded the safety and well-being of others by prioritizing personal profit over human lives,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these dangerous transnational criminal networks and ensure that those who exploit victims for financial gain are brought to justice.”

Barcelo-Velasquez owned and operated the Baul Travel SAS travel agency in her native country, Colombia. According to court documents, she allegedly charged the victims a fee to travel to Mexico under the guise of vacationing, with additional bribes required in U.S. currency at Mexican airports.

Once in Mexico, the Colombian nationals were taken to stash houses near the border and then transported by armed gunmen to cross illegally into the United States.

This case was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Justice, has been elevated and expanded by the attorney general with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 320 U.S. convictions; more than 265 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart Zander and Adriana Genco from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix handled the prosecution.

Updated: 04/03/2025
May 15, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons’ statement regarding US attorney’s support in Massachusetts

"Obstructing federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties is a crime that jeopardizes public safety and national security. The dedication of Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to obstruct justice is precisely the leadership we need. It is essential to remember that the law applies to everyone, including public officials, activists, private citizens and law enforcement officers, so we’re immensely grateful to see this kind of support in Boston and beyond,” said ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons.

Updated: 05/15/2025
September 28, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesTransnational Gangs

ICE aids in investigation leading to conviction of 3 MS-13 gang members

The criminal illegal aliens were found guilty of 2 murders and multiple attempted murders

BALTIMORE — ICE Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore, alongside the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Baltimore County Police Department and the Baltimore City Police Department investigated a case that resulted in convictions for three MS-13 gang members. Wilson Arturo Constanza-Galdomez, also known as Humilde and Marco Saravia, 26, of El Salvador; Edis Omar Valenzuela-Rodriguez, also known as Little Felon, 24, of Honduras; and Jonathan Pesquera-Puerto, also known as Truney, 24, of Honduras, were convicted by a federal jury Sept. 19 for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise involving murders and attempted murders, as well as murder in aid of racketeering.

“This conviction is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) like MS-13,” said HSI Baltimore acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella. “These individuals brought fear and brutality to our communities, but through tireless investigation and collaboration, we have ensured they will no longer pose a threat. HSI Baltimore will continue to work relentlessly to protect the public and bring justice to the victims of these heinous crimes.”

Read more on the case

Updated: 09/29/2025
July 22, 2025Cincinnati, OH, United StatesLaw Enforcement

ICE and FBI arrest Cincinnati man for terroristic threats against ICE agents

CINCINNATI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI arrested a Cincinnati man July 19 after he allegedly made multiple threats online to shoot and kill ICE officers.

Anthony Marcus Kelly, 38, faces federal charges including threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a United States official, as well as transmitting communications containing threats to kidnap or injure another person.

Law enforcement became aware of a social media user going by the name of “Slab” after he allegedly made multiple social media posts calling for the killing of ICE officers and detailing his acquisition of firearms to carry out that threat.

After an investigation, the user making these posts was identified as Kelly, who lives in the Cincinnati area.

In one of his alleged posts, Kelly wrote “Why even bother with these damn courts anymore. #Gestapedos don’t deserve anything but the smoke coming for them anyway. #RevolutionIsTheSolution #DestroyICE they’re rabid dogs that need to be put down. Including #KristiNoem #DogmeatWalking.”

In another, he wrote, “You come here for me, you’re getting shot. And I’m not looking to disable […] I’m shooting for the kill. I won’t give a **** about your names, who you are, or anything else”.

“Let me be crystal clear: Threatening to kill a federal officer is not protest — it’s terrorism,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “Anthony Kelly’s violent threats, while disgusting and completely unhinged, are a symptom of a larger problem: Politicians are trying to turn our law enforcement officials into targets by scaring their constituents and whipping them into a frenzy in a fact-free vacuum. This is what happens when anti-ICE activists don’t realize or care that we’re out there arresting rapists, murderers and child molesters who are in this country illegally. Enough is enough. Anyone who targets ICE personnel will be met with swift, unrelenting justice.”

“Calling for violence against federal law enforcement is not protected by the First Amendment,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “At great personal risk, ICE agents and officers faithfully enforce laws passed by our representatives in Congress. If members of the public disagree with our nation’s laws, they need to write their representatives, not threaten violence against those charged with carrying out the law.”

"Making violent threats against federal law enforcement officers will never be tolerated," said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. "Advocating for violence is not only wrong; it is also against the law and has serious consequences."

Kelly remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated: 07/22/2025
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April 21, 2026New York, NY, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE and FBI arrest criminal illegal alien and MS-13 gang member wanted in El Salvador for murder and drug trafficking

The international fugitive tried to hide in sanctuary New York in a futile attempt to evade justice

NEW YORK — ICE New York City Fugitive Operations officers assigned to the Newburgh sub-office and special agents from the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force arrested criminal illegal alien and international fugitive Alejandro Perla Cruz during a targeted operation in Middletown April 13. The 37-year-old Salvadoran national is an MS-13 gang member wanted in his home country for homicide and narcotics trafficking.

“ICE New York City will not allow violent criminals to evade justice within the United States, and we will never waver in our mission and mandate to remove them from our country,” said Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo. “Protecting New Yorkers from criminal illegal aliens will always be a priority for this office. I am grateful to our officers and our FBI partners for their work in removing this gang member from our streets so he can be returned to his home country to face prosecution for his heinous crimes.”

Perla illegally entered the United States on an unknown date and location without inspection by an immigration official. Based on intelligence provided by the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force on April 7, ICE New York City confirmed the individual was an illegal alien with serious criminal history and planned a targeted joint operation to remove this alleged murderer from the streets of New York.

On April 13, at approximately 6 a.m., ICE officers and FBI special agents conducted a vehicle stop, confirmed Perla’s identity, and effected the arrest without incident. The alien fugitive is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

“MS-13 member Alejandro Perla Cruz fled his own country and entered the United States unlawfully to avoid being arrested for homicide and narcotics trafficking charges. The FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force worked with our federal immigration enforcement partners to arrest this violent foreigner and protect our communities against dangerous criminals living here illegally," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. "The United States is no longer a sanctuary for violent criminals, and the FBI will continue utilizing immigration authorities to safeguard our communities.”

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 ERO New York City’s public safety mission on X at @ERONewYork.

Updated: 04/21/2026
June 20, 2025Bethlehem, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE and federal partners arrest 17 illegal aliens during worksite inspection in Bethlehem, Pa.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - On June 11, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Allentown office and federal law enforcement partners, served a Notice of Inspection at the Five 10 Flats apartment complex, 510 East 3rd Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During the inspection, 17 illegal aliens who were working at the property were encountered and administratively arrested for immigration violations. Those arrested included 13 citizens of Venezuela, two citizens of Mexico, one citizen of Ecuador and one citizen of Nicaragua.

"Ensuring worksite compliance is a fundamental responsibility of Homeland Security Investigations," said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. "Our commitment to safeguarding public safety, national security, and economic stability is unwavering. Inspections like these are critical in targeting illegal employment practices that undermine American workers, destabilize labor markets, and expose our critical infrastructure to exploitation.”

This location is currently under restoration, with workers provided by a subcontractor, and not occupied by any tenants.

Participating law enforcement partners included Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Allentown; Drug Enforcement Administration Allentown; Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

ICE is tasked with enforcing the business community’s compliance with federal employment eligibility requirements and conducts comprehensive worksite enforcement initiatives targeting employers who violate employment laws. During these operations, any alien determined to be in violation of U.S. Immigration laws may be subject to arrest, detention, and, if removable by final order, removal from the United States.

Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

Updated: 06/20/2025