stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
June 11, 2025Atlanta, GA, United StatesDetainee Death Notifications

ICE detainee death in Atlanta

ATLANTA — Jesus Molina-Veya, a 45-year-old citizen of Mexico in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was pronounced deceased by medical professionals at the Phoebe Sumter Hospital in Americus, at 6:42 p.m. on June 7. The cause of death is still under investigation.

Earlier that day a staff member observed detainees gathered around the door of Molina-Veya’s cell. Upon checking the cell, Molina-Veya’s body was discovered with a ligature around his neck and unconscious. The health services staff attempted to revive him and provide CPR until the paramedics arrived to transport him to the hospital.

Molina-Veya entered the U.S. without admission or parole on multiple occasions. On April 19, 1999, United States Border Patrol encountered him near San Ysidro, California, and removed him to Mexico on April 20, 1999. Molina-Veya re-entered the U.S. without admission or parole and was arrested multiple times for various offenses, including furnishing alcohol to minors, simple battery, DUI, drug possession, and driving without a valid license. He was repeatedly removed from the U.S. by USBP and Enforcement and Removal Operations Atlanta, with the last removal occurring on July 22, 2007. He continued to re-enter the U.S. unlawfully and faced numerous arrests and convictions, including for child molestation, hit and run, and possession of controlled substances. His most recent arrest was on Feb. 28, 2025, for probation violation and other offenses, leading to a conviction on April 3, 2025.

Consistent with ICE policy, ERO Atlanta notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center. ERO Atlanta provided telephone notification of Molina-Veya’s death to the Consulate of Mexico in Atlanta, Georgia.

ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and the media upon an official report of a detained illegal alien’s death and posts a news release with relevant details on the ICE public website within two business days per agency policy. This information may be accessed in the ICE.gov 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 detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care.

Updated: 06/11/2025
August 6, 2025Philipsburg, PA, United StatesDetainee Death Notifications

ICE detainee passes away at Pennsylvania's Moshannon Valley Processing Center

PHILIPSBURG, Penn. — Chaofeng Ge, a 32-year-old citizen of China in ICE custody, was pronounced deceased by the Clearfield County coroner at approximately 6:03 a.m. on Aug. 5. The cause of death is under investigation.

Ge was detained at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg. He had been in ICE custody for five days and was awaiting a hearing before the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. MVPC staff discovered Ge hanging by the neck and unresponsive in the shower room of his detention pod at 5:21 a.m. They immediately lowered him to the ground, began CPR and contacted Phillipsburg Emergency Medical Services, the Pennsylvania State Police and the coroner’s office.

On Jan. 23, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department arrested Ge for criminal use of a communication facility, unlawful use of a computer and access device fraud. On Jan. 24, ICE Philadelphia’s Enforcement and Removal Operations York sub-office lodged an immigration detainer with the Dauphin County Prison.

Ge pleaded guilty to accessing a device issued to another who did not authorize use and conspiracy to commit the same on July 31. He was sentenced to six to 12 months for each count and granted immediate release to the ICE detainer. ERO York took Ge into ICE custody and transported him to the York ICE office for processing. He was subsequently transferred to the MVPC.

Consistent with ICE policy, ERO notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center. ERO provided notification of the death to the Chinese Embassy.

ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and the media upon an official report of a detained illegal alien’s death and posts a news release with relevant details on the ICE public website within two business days per agency policy. This information may be accessed in the ICE.gov 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 detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care.

Updated: 08/06/2025
September 8, 2025Detroit, MI, United StatesOrganized Crime

ICE Detroit and partners take down international car theft ring in Michigan

DETROIT — ICE HSI Detroit, in coordination with multiple federal, state, and local partners, is leading an investigation into an international auto theft ring that has resulted in criminal charges against eight Michigan men. The charges, which include conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and transportation of a stolen vehicle mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to dismantle this transnational criminal organization.

According to the 12-count indictment, beginning in July 2023 and continuing through August 2025, the defendants conspired with each other and others to receive stolen vehicles at one of four commercial/industrial lots. Conspirators would then pack two or more vehicles at the lots into shipping containers and cause the containers’ transportation to port cities via freight or rail. From the port cities, if law enforcement had not already interdicted the containers, the containers with cars would ship overseas.

“Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “This case hits even closer to home in a state like Michigan, where auto theft doesn’t just hurt our wallets, but our culture. Our HSI special agents and law enforcement partners will continue to do the work necessary to take down these operations that harm everyday Americans.”

Read more on Justice.gov.

Updated: 09/08/2025
June 10, 2025Detroit, MI, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Detroit arrests a convicted arsonist and a convicted murderer in the same day

DETROIT - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Detroit arrested two criminal aliens in Detroit June 10. Ahmad Fareez Thabateh, 49, a Palestinian, and Kassim Saleh Wasil, 70, a Yemeni , who will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

Thabateh has a final order of removal and has a previous conviction of arson in Pontiac, Michigan.

Wasil also has a final order of removal and has a criminal history to include 2nd degree murder, assault, resisting or obstructing an officer, and cruelty to a dependent adult.

“A convicted murderer and an arsonist are just some of the many public safety threats and immigration violators that our officers work to take off the streets every day,” said acting Detroit Field Office Director Kevin Raycraft. “I’m proud of their efforts to safeguard communities across Michigan and Ohio.”

Members of the public can report immigration 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 Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit and @HSIDetroit.

Updated: 06/10/2025
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July 16, 2025Traverse City, MI, United StatesTransnational Gangs

ICE Detroit arrests suspected member of foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Officers and agents with ICE Detroit arrested a suspected member of the foreign terrorist organization Tren De Aragua in Traverse City, Michigan, on the 4th of July.

Enforcement and Removal Operations alongside Homeland Security Investigations arrested Kleiber Siso Balza, a 25-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela.

Siso has an active warrant out of Virginia for possession of burglary tools and a pending charge out of Florida for larceny. Siso was apprehended in the company of three other men who were also in the country illegally.

“Our teams are working daily to remove criminal aliens and immigration violators from our communities across Michigan and Ohio,” said ICE ERO Detroit acting Field Office Director Kevin Raycraft. “I’m extraordinarily grateful to our officers for their service, especially when they sacrifice time with their own families to keep our communities safe.”

“Tren De Aragua is known to engage in sex trafficking, debt bondage, drug trafficking, and murder to advance their interests,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “We’re thankful to have the assistance of our TSA, Federal Air Marshals and IRS partners in executing this important mission.”

Members of the public can report immigration 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 Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit and @HSIDetroit.

Updated: 07/16/2025
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February 2, 2025Detroit, MI, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Detroit arrests unlawfully present citizen of Mexico with hit and run conviction

DETROIT — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Mexican national with a conviction for hit and run when officers arrested Hernandez-Gomez January 28 in Detroit.

“Not only does Hernandez-Gomez have a conviction for hit and run but he also has a pending DUI charge,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch. “ICE remains committed to our public safety mission by arresting and removing public safety threats and those who repeatedly break our laws.”

Hernandez-Gomez remains in ICE custody pending his removal.

Members of the public can report immigration 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 Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERODetroit.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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March 10, 2025Detroit, MI, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Detroit removes Albanian wanted for fraud and bribery

DETROIT — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Fatbardh Lala, an Albanian national wanted in his home country on fraud and bribery charges, when he was turned over to Albanian authorities at the Tirana International Airport in Tirana, Albania, March 6.

Lala lawfully entered the United States May 10, 2023, at the Chicago O’Hare airport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Lala at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Oct. 23, 2024, after he was refused entry into Canada, and it was discovered he had an outstanding warrant in Albania.

“We found out Lala was wanted for bribery and fraud, which are serious charges, and he can now be held accountable for those crimes,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch. “ICE remains committed to removing foreign fugitives, regardless of nationality, so they can face justice in their home countries.”

An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review ordered Lala removed Jan. 29.

Members of the public can report immigration 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 Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit.

Updated: 06/13/2025
September 5, 2025Detroit, MI, United StatesEnforcement and Removal, Human Rights Violators

ICE Detroit removes suspected war criminal and former high-ranking coup leader to Sierra Leone

DETROIT — ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations removed suspected war criminal and criminal illegal alien Charles Emile Mbayo from the United States to Sierra Leone Aug. 20. Mbayo is a former high-ranking member of the National Provisioning Ruling Council, a military junta that ruled Sierra Leone after overthrowing President Joseph Momoh in a coup on April 29, 1992.

Following the coup, the National Provisioning Ruling Council struggled to control Sierra Leone against invasion from the Revolutionary United Front, and news of coup plots spread across the capital of Freetown. On Dec. 29, 1992, the National Provisioning Ruling Council extrajudicially killed approximately 29 victims, including former government officials and others accused of planning a coup against the regime. Victims who were not already detained in prison were arrested; several were tortured, and all were summarily executed and their bodies buried in a mass grave.

Following several changes in government, Mbayo entered the United States on Jan. 9, 1998, on an F-1 student visa. He later applied to become a permanent resident, but his application was denied in July 2023.

“Our officers continue to effect the removal of alleged human rights violators to their home country,” said ERO Detroit Field Office Director Kevin Raycraft. “ERO officers are committed to public safety and national security and removing this individual from the United States serves both those priorities.”

Mbayo has been in ICE custody since ICE Homeland Security Investigations arrested him on June 30, 2025.

“HSI is committed to ensuring that there is no safe haven in the United States for those tied to these horrific crimes,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “We will continue to investigate these allegations with the assistance of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center to seek both accountability and justice in these cases.”

The HSI-led Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center furthers the government’s efforts to identify, locate and prosecute human rights abusers in the U.S., including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. Since 2003, the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center has issued more than 79,000 lookouts for potential perpetrators of human rights abuses and stopped over 390 human rights violators and war crimes suspects from entering the U.S.

Members of the public who have information about potential former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or the online tip form. They can also email HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov.

Updated: 09/05/2025
April 28, 2025Del Rio, TX, United StatesNarcotics

ICE Eagle Pass, federal partner investigation results in the sentencing of a Del Rio man to 24 years for drug trafficking

DEL RIO, Texas — A southwestern man was sentenced April 22 in federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine into the United States following a joint investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Leonardo Estrada, 41, will serve the next 288 months in prison. He pleaded guilty May 22, 2023.

"Today’s sentencing highlights the serious consequences for those who traffic in methamphetamine, a drug that wreaks havoc on individuals and communities alike. HSI remains steadfast in its mission to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent the spread of methamphetamine across the country,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee.

According to court documents, Estrada approached a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 277 near Eagle Pass, Feb. 15, 2023. During inspection, a K-9 alerted agents to the driver’s side of Estrada’s vehicle near the pedals. A further search revealed two plastic bundles wrapped in clear plastic tape concealed underneath the carpet behind the gas and brake pedals. The contents of one of the bundles tested positive for 790 grams of methamphetamine, while the other tested positive for marijuana. Estrada admitted to being involved in drug trafficking since 2021.

Estrada was arrested at the checkpoint on Feb. 15, 2023.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Warsame Galaydh for the Western District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 04/28/2025
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February 3, 2025El Paso, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE El Paso arrests 3 Venezuelan nationals, including 2 known Tren de Aragua associates

El PASO, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended three illegally present Venezuelan nationals Jan. 28 in El Paso, Texas.

Javier Irazabal-Rodriguez , 27, was previously convicted of sexual assault of a child on May 13, 2024, and sentenced to 10 years of probation, while Jhonatan Johan Romero-Pineda, 34, and Uzcategui-Uzcategui, 27, have been identified as active associates of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization. Irazabal-Rodriguez was released on an order of supervision and Romero-Pineda and Uzcategui-Uzcategui remain in ICE custody pending removal.

Members of the public with information regarding child sex offenders 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 ERO El Paso’s mission to increase public safety in our Dallas communities on X at @EROElPaso.

Updated: 06/12/2025
February 24, 2026El Paso, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE El Paso arrests 38 illegal aliens, encounters 3 children at construction sites during 9-day, multiagency operation

EL PASO, Texas — ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations El Paso, in coordination with its law enforcement partners, arrested 38 illegal aliens, fugitives, convicted criminal aliens and illegal aliens charged with illegal reentry during a targeted enforcement operation between Jan. 11 and 19. They also encountered and rescued three children working illegally at construction sites in the area.

“We will continue to aggressively pursue criminal investigations and enforce immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety,” said ICE El Paso acting Field Office Director Joel Garcia. “These ongoing, routine enforcement operations and arrests underscore ICE’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. immigration law and threaten the safety of our communities.”

During the nine-day operation, which stemmed from intelligence gathered throughout December, ICE apprehended 38 illegal aliens at three construction sites in El Paso, Texas, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Among those arrested were four individuals charged with felony illegal reentry and two ICE fugitives with final orders of removal. Officers also encountered and rescued three illegal alien children, ages 15, 16 and 17, who were unlawfully employed at various construction sites. ICE transferred them to Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement’s custody.

In addition, eight of the aliens arrested had prior criminal histories, including convictions for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, driving while intoxicated and failure to identify as a fugitive from justice. Officials also apprehended one individual with an active warrant for deceptive business practice, turned the person over to local law enforcement, and lodged an immigration detainer.

See below for the criminal illegal aliens that ICE took off of El Paso streets:

Fernando Camilo-Calixto, convicted of assault causing bodily injury to a family member.

Nelson Armando Aguilar, convicted of driving while intoxicated.

Octavio Urbina-Hernandez, convicted of failure to identify as a fugitive from justice.

ICE fugitive Luis Angel Morillo Carrasquero, who was ordered removed by an immigration judge April 11, 2024, but failed to depart.

ICE fugitive David Ramirez-Rodriguez, who was ordered removed by an immigration judge Oct. 27, 2014, but failed to depart.

Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, the ATF, and the Texas Department of Public Safety also participated in the enforcement operation.

Illegal aliens in the United States who wish to avoid enforcement encounters can apply to voluntarily depart through the CBP Home App. Eligible individuals may receive $2,600 and a free flight to their home country. Those who refuse voluntary departure will be arrested and deported, with no opportunity to return.

Updated: 02/24/2026
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February 3, 2025El Paso, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE El Paso arrests previously removed Mexican national

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, arrested 43-year-old Mexican national Jorge Ivan Romero, in El Paso, Texas, Jan. 29. Romero had multiple convictions for offences including theft by check, aggravated robbery, evading arrest, and re-entry after deportation.

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Mexican national Jorge Ivan Romero, 43, in El Paso, Texas, Jan. 29.

Romero has multiple convictions for offences including theft by check, aggravated robbery, evading arrest, and re-entry after deportation. Romero had previously been removed to Mexico Aug. 13, 2003, and Sept. 30, 2011.

Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ERO El Paso’s mission to increase public safety in our Dallas communities on X at @EROElPaso.

Updated: 06/13/2025