stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
December 10, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesNational Security, Worksite Enforcement

Despite being attacked by rioters, ICE Arizona and federal partners successfully arrest dozens illegal aliens in major Arizona operation targeting a transnational criminal organization

46 illegal aliens were arrested, 2 arrested for impeding law enforcement

TUCSON, Ariz. — On Dec. 5, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona and federal partners executed 16 criminal federal search warrants targeting nine restaurants and seven associated stash houses in Tucson, Arizona, and the surrounding region. The operation was part of a multiyear investigation into a transnational criminal organization involved in labor exploitation, tax violations, and immigration violations. 46 illegal aliens were arrested including those with previous arrests for sexual assault and illegal re-entry—a felony.

At one of the locations, over 100 agitators descended and attempted to impede law enforcement operations, locking a gate to trap agents within the perimeter of the restaurant. Agitators quickly turned violent, assaulting officers and slashing tires. An HSI Special Response Team was mobilized to regain control of the situation, where they were forced to deploy countermeasures. During the operation, U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva joined the rioting crowd and attempted to impede law enforcement officers, then took to social media to slander law enforcement by falsely claiming she was pepper sprayed.

One individual from the crowd was arresting for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, and another for damaging a government vehicle. Two HSI SRT operators were injured. One suffered a bicep rupture, the other suffered a knee injury. They have both been treated for their injuries.

HSI arrested two U.S. citizens for assaulting a federal officer, damaging a government vehicle, and obstruction. The United States Attorney’s Office has accepted prosecution of both.

“This multiyear investigation that targeted TCOs alleged to be involved in human smuggling, human trafficking derived from peonage resulted in the shutdown of the restaurants,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Ray Rede. “These enforcement actions have unequivocally disrupted this criminal organization’s ability to exploit our lawful labor and system of commerce. This agency will not stand for it and those seeking to continue such practices are on notice — there will be more enforcement operations in Arizona.”

HSI partnered with IRS - Criminal Investigation, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, and other federal, state, and local agencies during this investigation and operation. This targeted enforcement operation broke up a criminal organization that was using a family-owned restaurant chain operating in and around the Tucson, Sierra Vista, Green Valley, Casa Grande, and Apache Junction areas.

This is an ongoing investigation, and further information is limited at this time. DHS and ICE HSI remain committed to working with partners to protect the homeland, uphold the rule of law, and defend the interests of American taxpayers.

Updated: 12/11/2025
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Know2Protect Campaign

June 27, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesChild Exploitation

DHS Cyber Crimes Center tip leads to arrest of criminal alien convicted child sex offender

WASHINGTON — A tip from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Crimes Center led to the May 29 arrest of Rafael Romeiro Rodriguez, a dangerous child sex offender, as he was attempting to travel internationally.

DHS C3, which is led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, works to prevent child sex tourism and other crimes of child exploitation by notifying destination countries of convicted child predators who intend to travel abroad, and by supporting domestic enforcement actions like the one that led to Rodriguez's arrest.

Rodriguez, a Colombian national who is in the United States illegally, was convicted in 2014 of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old.

“Thanks to the targeted intelligence work of the Cyber Crimes Center, a convicted child sex offender will no longer pose a threat to the community,” said Deputy Assistant Director for the DHS Cyber Crimes Center Mike Prado. “This case is a powerful reminder of how proactive targeting of dangerous convicted sex offenders can lead to real world arrests that protect children and enhance public safety.”

Officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston with support from ICE HSI, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives apprehended the criminal alien in Boston without incident.

“This arrest is a direct result of the critical coordination between ERO Boston, the DHS Cybercrimes Center, and our federal and law enforcement partners,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “This case underscores exactly why we must remain vigilant and united across government agencies to find, arrest, and remove dangerous predators who pose a threat to our children and our neighborhoods.”

Rodriguez remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Early intervention is critical. If you believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or dial 911.

If you suspect a child may be a victim of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline.

Join the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse by learning more — schedule a Project iGuardian presentation for your school, youth group, corporation, law enforcement agency or other community event. Email iGuardian.hq@hsi.dhs.gov to request an iGuardian presentation.

To schedule an interview, please contact Public Affairs Officer Tanya Roman at Tanya.Roman@hsi.dhs.gov.

Updated: 05/22/2026
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April 11, 2025Phoenix, AZ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

DHS Secretary joins ICE Phoenix on enhanced targeted operations

PHOENIX — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem joined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners in apprehending three illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on criminal illegal alien offenders in Phoenix, Arizona, to bolster public safety, national security and border security, April 8.

“By leveraging our federal partnerships and intelligence-driven investigations, ICE continues to carry out its mission in a way that best serves national security, public safety and border security,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantu. “I am grateful for the professionalism, dedication and support from all of our FBI, DEA and Homeland Security Investigations partners during this operation to remove dangerous alien offenders from our Arizona communities.”

ICE and federal partners concentrated their efforts in and around the Phoenix area. The joint enforcement operations led to the arrests of three Mexican aliens with significant criminal histories, among them Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, a 48-year-old wanted by Mexican authorities for homicide.

Partner law enforcement agencies participating in the operation included FBI Phoenix; Drug Enforcement Administration Phoenix; and Homeland Security Investigations Phoenix.

Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

Learn more about ERO Phoenix’s mission to preserve public safety on X, @ERO_PHOENIX.

Updated: 05/20/2026
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August 4, 2025San Juan, PR, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

Dominican national arrested for assaulting ICE agents in Puerto Rico

Bean Gomez-Cepeda drove his vehicle into an HSI vehicle to avoid apprehension

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — ICE arrested Dominican national and illegal alien Bean Gomez-Cepeda July 2, after a U.S. Magistrate Judge issued a warrant against him for assaulting federal agents. He was charged with resisting, opposing or impeding federal agents with a dangerous weapon and hitting a government vehicle with his own vehicle.

The charges stem from June 30, when an ICE team stopped the vehicle Gomez-Cepeda was driving. In a failed attempt to avoid being arrested, he drove his vehicle into one of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations vehicles. Officials arrested him and five other occupants of his vehicle, each of whom was also unlawfully present in the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered and processed him for expedited removal in El Paso, Texas, in 2023.

Gomez-Cepeda faces up to a year in jail, up to five years of probation, and a fine up to $100,000 for count one; he faces 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count.

ICE officials face an 830% increase in assaults over this time last year.

“Now more than ever, we need to protect the lives of the brave men and women of ICE and our partner agencies while they are doing their job to keep our nation safe,” said HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos. “Our agency and the Department of Justice are taking these crimes very seriously as we stand by our agents to ensure their safety. Those who interfere with the execution of our job or dare to assault our agents will be prosecuted with the fullest extent of the law.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Violent Crimes Division Jeanette M. Collazo-Ortiz and Assistant U.S. Attorney of the Violent Crimes Division Cesar E. Rivera Díaz are prosecuting the case.

If you see a law enforcement official in danger or want to report illegal activity, call 787-729-6969 or send an email to IntelHSISanJuan@hsi.dhs.gov. Learn more about HSI San Juan’s mission to increase public safety in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Instagram, Facebook and X.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated: 08/04/2025
March 3, 2025San Juan, PR, United StatesDetainee Death Notifications

Dominican national passes away at Centro Medico Hospital in San Juan after narcotics/human smuggling interdiction

SAN JUAN — Juan Alexis Tineo-Martinez, a 44-year-old Dominican Republic citizen who was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, Feb. 21, following a maritime interdiction, was pronounced deceased by medical professionals at Centro Medico Hospital in San Juan Feb. 23. Tineo-Martinez was taken into custody along with three other Dominican nationals and one Colombian after ICE responded to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations interdiction notification of a vessel suspected of narcotics and human smuggling on Feb. 20. The cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Puerto Rico Forensic Science Institute.

ICE agents contacted local 911 after Tineo-Martinez alerted agents he was experiencing leg pain. He was immediately transferred to Centro Medico Hospital for evaluation. Tineo-Martinez was unresponsive to treatment.

Consistent with ICE protocols, the appropriate components were notified about the death, including the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in San Juan who notified his next of kin.

Upon an official report of a detained illegal alien death, ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and the media and posts a news release with relevant details on the 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 2018 DHS appropriations bill 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, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care.

The smuggling incident was accepted for prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico for drug trafficking and alien smuggling violations.

Updated: 03/03/2025
March 25, 2025Del Rio, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

Driver of second human smuggling vehicle involved in 2021 Southwest Texas incident sentenced to 10 years in federal prison following ICE Del Rio and federal partner investigation

DEL RIO, Texas - A illegal Salvadoran alien, identified as Juan Alonso Barrientos-Quintanilla, 23, was sentenced March 25 by a federal judge to serve 120 months in prison for his role in a deadly 2021 human smuggling operation. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"The tragic loss of life in human smuggling operations is a harsh reminder of the dangerous nature of these criminal activities. ICE HSI will continue to work relentlessly to dismantle these networks and prevent further violence, ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee.

According to court documents, Barrientos-Quintanilla was apprehended and identified as one of 12 illegal aliens who fled from one of two vehicles involved in a failed human smuggling operation on Highway 277 on March 15, 2021. The other vehicle, driven by Sebastian Tovar, crashed, killing eight of its nine illegal alien passengers. Following the crash, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the second smuggling vehicle, leading to an attempted traffic stop and, subsequently, Barrientos-Quintanilla and the other illegal aliens were fleeing on foot. All 12 illegal aliens were apprehended. Barrientos-Quintanilla initially claimed to be one of the aliens being smuggled; however, he later admitted to being the load driver of the vehicle. He pleaded guilty on July 23, 2023, to one count of aiding and abetting illegal alien transportation resulting in death.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister from the Western District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 03/25/2025
March 3, 2025Hartford, CT, United StatesChild Exploitation

Ecuadoran man sentenced to more than 26 years in prison for recording his sexual abuse of a minor in Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. – Servio Barros-Terreros, 58, an illegal alien from Ecuador last residing in Stamford, was sentenced Feb. 20 to 320 months of imprisonment for taking pictures of his repeated sexual abuse of a minor.

According to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation, in December 2022, a minor female victim reported Barros sexually assaulted her multiple times, took sexually explicit pictures of her, and threatened to publish the pictures and show them to the victim’s mother if she told anyone. Barros also instructed the victim to undress during video calls he initiated with the victim, during which he also engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

“Not only did Barros sexually abuse a young child, he used guilt and fear to threaten her and prevent her from coming forward about this abuse. It takes real bravery to overcome those threats and thanks to her perseverance, this predator is facing serious time behind bars as well as deportation after the completion of his sentence,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol.

On Jan. 12, 2023, Stamford Police arrested Barros on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses and seized Barros’ iPhone. Analysis of the iPhone by ICE special agents revealed sexually explicit images of the minor victim, and images of Barros engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the minor victim.

Barros has been detained since his arrest. On March 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography.

Barros entered the U.S. illegally without inspection at an unknown date and unknown location. ICE lodged a detainer with the Bridgeport Correctional Facility in 2023. Barros faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

The case was investigated by ICE New England’s Hartford Resident Agent in Charge office and the Stamford Police Department.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

Members of the public can report child exploitation by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Updated: 03/03/2025
February 28, 2025El Paso, TX, United StatesChild Exploitation

El Paso man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for child pornography charges

EL PASO, Texas — An El Paso man was sentenced Feb. 27 in a federal court to 180 months in prison for possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material depicting a prepubescent minor.

Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

According to court documents, a device belonging to Victor Enrique Artalejo, 60, was identified for downloading more than 3,000 torrent files between June 17, 2022, and Sept. 18, 2023, many of which contained child sexual abuse material.

On March 29, 2024, ICE special agents executed a search warrant at Artalejo’s residence, seizing a laptop and several other electronic devices. A forensic review revealed that Artalejo had downloaded and possessed 1,434 photos and 111 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Most of the victims were determined to be under the age of 12.

Artalejo was arrested March 29, 2024, and has remained in federal custody. He pleaded guilty Dec. 4, 2024, to possessing a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Micaela Glass prosecuted the case.

Updated: 03/03/2025
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July 1, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesChild Exploitation

Elkton man convicted of child exploitation gets 30-year prison sentence following ICE Baltimore investigation

BALTIMORE — An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led to the sentencing of Mark Rice, 38, to 30 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release, for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

“This sentencing is a powerful reminder that those who exploit and abuse children will be relentlessly pursued and held accountable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “There is no place in society for predators who create and distribute child sexual abuse material. These crimes shatter lives, and HSI will never waver in our mission to bring justice to victims by targeting those who commit these horrific acts. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure the strongest possible consequences under the law.”

Rice previously pled guilty to one count of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. These charges stem from Rice sexually abusing two minors in his care while using social media to distribute and solicit child sexual abuse material.

According to his plea agreement, Rice used his position of authority to sexually abuse a minor — beginning when she was less than 3 years old — as he created photographic evidence of the abuse. He also exploited a second minor through surreptitious photography. Rice actively participated in online communities dedicated to trading child sexual abuse material. He used platforms such as Reddit, Telegram and Kik to distribute images of his victims and obtain material depicting other children.

In April 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from Reddit regarding the transmission of child sexual abuse material. Authorities traced the tip to an IP address associated with Rice’s Elkton residence.

During a Maryland State Police interview, Rice denied the accusation but was observed deleting photos from his phone. When Rice showed officers his phone, investigators spotted child sexual abuse material in a thumbnail image. Through a deeper search, authorities uncovered additional material in his recently deleted folder.

Then, HSI Baltimore special agents discovered more than 600 child sexual abuse material images across Rice’s devices. Investigators also found that Rice used a public Reddit community to connect with people that he traded child sexual abuse material with using encrypted messaging platforms.

McCarthy, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes and Maryland State Police Superintendent Roland L. Butler Jr. announced the indictment.

Members of the public with information about criminal activity should contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X at @HSIBaltimore.

Updated: 07/01/2025
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May 23, 2025El Paso, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ERO El Paso deportation officers turn over a previously removed Mexican fugitive to Mexican authorities

EL PASO, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officers on May 22 removed a previously removed Mexican national wanted in his home country for possessing methamphetamine and firearms.

Miguel Sifuentes Jimenez, 36, was turned over to Mexican authorities on the top of the Stanton Street Bridge on the international boundary between the United States and Mexico.

Sifuentes last illegally entered the United States on May 3, 2021, by walking across the U.S.-Mexico international boundary east of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The following day, he was processed as a reinstatement of prior order of removal and presented for prosecution. Upon time served, he was released to the streets by the Luna County Detention Center in Deming, New Mexico.

He was first ordered removed from the United States on Jan. 9, 2013, and removed to his home country on Jan. 28, 2013, from Calexico, California. His criminal history in the United States includes convictions in California for felony robbery in 2008, for which he was sentenced to 364 days in jail; aggravated battery/spouse, a misdemeanor, in 2009, for which he was sentenced to serve 60 days in jail; and inflicting corporal injury spouse/cohab, a felony, in 2011, for which he received a two-year sentence.

On May 12, Enforcement and Removal Operations deportation officers encountered Sifuentes at the Eddy County Detention Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he was serving time after being convicted for aggravated battery against a household member/strangulation or suffocation. ERO lodged a detainer and arrested him when he was released from jail that same day.

On May 13, he was charged with alien inadmissibility and alien previously removed as an arriving alien, which is an aggravated felony.

Updated: 06/13/2025