stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
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February 24, 2025McAllen, TX, United StatesNarcotics

ICE Rio Grande Valley, federal partner investigation results in the sentencing of illegal alien for drug trafficking in South Texas

MCALLEN, Texas — A illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced for trafficking cocaine following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Rio Grande Valley Office.

Jorge Alberto Galindo-Vargas, 44, illegally residing in Mission, Texas, was sentenced Feb. 20 by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane to serve 210 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. During the hearing, Galindo-Vargas spoke to the court noting that he had previously received a large sentence for drug trafficking at the age of 17. In handing down the sentence, in response to Galindo-Vargas statements, Judge Crane stated “Unfortunately, you’re in the cocaine business again, and that’s going to cost you another chunk of your life.” Galindo-Vargas pleaded guilty June 28, 2024.

“The sentencing of this individual underscores our unwavering commitment to combatting drug trafficking and securing our borders,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Mark Lippa. “This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated agents and law enforcement partners who work diligently to ensure that those who engage in illegal activities are brought to justice. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and to uphold the rule of law.”

According to court documents, on Nov. 1, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 12 kilograms of cocaine inside an ice chest inside the vehicle.

Galindo-Vargas remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr., Lance Watt and Brittany Jensen from the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

Members of the public 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 ICE HSI’s mission to increase public safety in Central and South Texas communities on X: @HSI_SanAntonio.

Updated: 06/13/2025
April 3, 2025Brownsville, TX, United StatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives

ICE Rio Grande Valley, federal partner investigation results in a woman admitting to smuggling firearms into Mexico

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A Georgia woman entered a guilty plea April 1 to smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank, following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

According to court documents, on Dec. 15, 2024, Mirna Luna, 38, attempted to cross at the Brownsville/Matamoros port of entry into Mexico. When she arrived to the Port of Entry, authorities had referred her to secondary inspection where they discovered 17 firearms and 27 magazines hidden in the gas tank of the Nissan car she was driving. Luna claimed ownership of the car and admitted she is the only person who drives it. She does not have a license to export firearms and has not applied for one.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for July 8. At that time, Luna faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine.

She remains in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 04/03/2025
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May 15, 2025Brownsville, TX, United StatesContraband, Law Enforcement

ICE Rio Grande Valley, federal partners investigation results in 4 Mexican fishermen indicted for illegal red snapper harvesting in US waters

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A South Texas grand jury indicted a crew of four men from Matamoros, Mexico, for unlawfully transporting fish taken from the Gulf of America, following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Miguel Angel Ramirez-Vidal, 32; Jesus David Luna-Marquez, 20; Jesus Roberto Morales-Amador, 27; and Jose Daniel Santiago-Mendoza, 22, arrested following the filing of a criminal complaint and are scheduled to appear for arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt at 1:45 p.m., May 22.

According to court documents, on April 17, the crew of four allegedly attempted to transport and export roughly 315 kilograms of red snapper illegally taken from U.S. waters. The charges allege they intended to sell the fish in Mexico. The criminal complaint alleges authorities observed the crew’s panga-style fishing vessel in the Gulf of America, seven miles north of the U.S.-Mexico maritime boundary line and 21 miles east of South Padre Island.

The crew was allegedly fishing with approximately four kilometers of heavy nylon fishing line and 1,200 fishing hooks. The complaint further alleges they were in an unmarked and unregistered vessel which was not flying the flag of any nation and operating without running lights. The charges allege none of the crew had a permit to fish in U.S. waters nor had a quota for red snapper, which violates federal law.

If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. This is the first illegal fishing case to be prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas.

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

Updated: 06/13/2025
February 24, 2025McAllen, TX, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE Rio Grande Valley investigation resulted in the sentencing of a South Texas man to over 33 years for sexually abusing minor

MCALLEN, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced for enticement of a minor and production of child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force.

Christian Hanks, 29, from McAllen, was sentenced Feb. 19 by U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez to 400 and 360 months for enticement and production of child pornography convictions, respectively. The court ordered the sentences will run concurrently. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the repeat nature of the offenses, and the degree of manipulation involved in them. Judge Alvarez also indicated Hanks’ behavior was consistent with that of a sexual predator. He was further ordered to serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison terms. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Hanks will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty Oct. 15, 2024.

“The conviction and sentencing of this individual today highlights our steadfast dedication to safeguarding our children,” said ICE HSI Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “With the sentence of production of child pornography, ICE HSI sends a strong message that such reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated. We must remain united in our efforts to protect the safety and well-being of every child.”

“As the court found, the defendant’s behavior in this case was particularly abhorrent, and deserving of a significant sentence” said Ganjei. “Children deserve to grow up in a safe community, free from the predations of individuals like Hanks. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that similar predators are uncovered and prosecuted.”

According to court documents, Hanks recorded himself sexually abusing a minor victim in December 2023. The investigation revealed years of communication between himself and the minor regarding further sexual abuse, and requests to abuse the minor and other minor children. The investigation also revealed Hanks had engaged in grooming behavior with another minor victim in the Western District of Louisiana to entice her to engage in sexual conduct with him. The investigation revealed he also engaged in sexual intercourse with the second minor victim.

He remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cahal P. McColgan and Earl M. Campbell from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 02/24/2025
July 9, 2025Brownsville, TX, United StatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives

ICE Rio Grande Valley investigation results in Georgia woman sentenced for smuggling firearms into Mexico

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A Georgia woman was sentenced for smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley.

Mirna Luna, 38, was sentenced July 9 by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. to a 46-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of trafficking of firearms. Luna pleaded guilty April 1.

“Firearms trafficking poses a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and our commitment to preventing illegal weapons from reaching the hands of criminals and foreign terrorist organizations. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle such smuggling operations.”

According to court documents, Luna traveled from her Canton, Georgia, residence Dec. 15, 2024, and attempted to cross at the Brownsville/Matamoros Port of Entry into Mexico. Once there, authorities had referred her to secondary inspection where they discovered 17 firearms and 27 magazines hidden in the gas tank of the Nissan car she was driving. Luna claimed ownership of the car and admitted she is the only person who drives it. She does not have a license to export firearms and has not applied for one.

She will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 07/09/2025
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May 13, 2025Salt Lake City, UT, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Salt Lake City announces 52 illegal aliens were arrested during recent operation

The operation centered in Reno and northern Nevada

RENO, Nev. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 52 illegal aliens during a four-day operation from May 5 to May 8 focused on bolstering public safety in northern Nevada.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and its interagency partners identified, detained and removed dangerous criminals in the northern Nevada area, including Carson City and Reno. 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:

Ernesto Lopez-Barrios, 50, of El Salvador, who was convicted of child molestation and DUI.
Luis Urbina-Bucio, 36, of Mexico in Reno, who was convicted of battery and carrying a concealed weapon.
Ariberto Roque-Sanchez, 32, of Mexico in Carson City, who was convicted of “statutory sexual seduction,” also known as statutory rape.
Rodolfo Hernandez-Yanez, 52, of Mexico in Carson City, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Several federal law enforcement agencies assisted ICE during the operation, including Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service, along with 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’s mission to increase public safety in Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Montana on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROSaltLakeCity.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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March 28, 2025Salt Lake City, UT, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Salt Lake City removes foreign fugitive for sexual assault of minor

SALT LAKE CITY – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Mexican citizen and foreign fugitive Jairo Ivan Paredes Cota, 43, to Mexico via ground transportation, March 27. Paredes is wanted in his home country for the sexual assault of a minor.

Paredes entered the United States on an unknown date and location without inspection by U.S. Immigration Officers. He was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection April 16, 2013, in Del Rio, Texas, and was removed to Mexico by CBP April 20, 2013.

Paredes re-entered the United States on an unknown date and at an unknown location without inspection by U.S. Immigration Officers.

ICE Officers arrested Paredes March 6, in Reno, Nevada and he was booked into the Washoe County Jail in Reno until his removal from the United States.

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: @EROSaltLakeCity

Updated: 06/13/2025
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May 20, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Antonio announces 275 illegal alien arrests during joint operation

SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 275 illegal aliens, including 178 criminal aliens, during a seven-day operation focused on increasing public safety May 11-17.

“Criminal aliens have taken advantage of our immigration laws for long enough. We will continue to prioritize public safety,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Antonio acting Field Office Director Sylvester M. Ortega. “Our mission to protect the American people is stronger than ever thanks to the hard work and dedication of ICE personnel out every day locating, arresting and removing criminal aliens illegally present in our country.”

Included among the criminal aliens arrested during the operation are the following:

A 34-year-old, twice-deported criminal alien from Mexico, arrested May 14 who has been convicted of felony — illegal reentry, and is facing charges for a second criminal charge for illegal reentry into the U.S. after deportation.
A 37-year-old criminal alien from Cuba, arrested May 15 who has been convicted of manufacturing and distributing heroin/methamphetamines and selling marijuana. This alien has also been arrested for forgery and drug possession.
A 49-year-old, twice-deported criminal alien from Mexico arrested May 15 who has been convicted of assault and battery, illegal reentry into the U.S., and disturbing the peace.
A 57-year-old alien from Costa Rica arrested May 16 who is wanted by Costa Rican authorities for fraud.

Criminal aliens arrested during this operation also had charges that included domestic violence, cocaine possession, larceny, driving under the influence, drug trafficking, weapon offenses, and assault.

Numerous law enforcement agencies assisted ICE during the operation, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service.

“These joint operations show the public what can be done when agencies work together toward a common goal of public safety,” added Ortega.

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 @EROSanAntonio to learn more about ERO’s missions and operations.

Updated: 06/13/2025
February 19, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Antonio arrests Tren de Aragua member wanted in Chile for narcotics and weapons trafficking

AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Venezuelan national wanted in Chile for narcotics and weapons trafficking Jan. 26. Officers arrested Carlos Daniel Teran-Aguilar, an 18-year-old citizen of Venezuela and Tren de Aragua member, during routine daily operations in Austin. He remains in ICE custody.

“We will continue prioritizing public safety as targets are identified and arrested,” said ICE Enforcement and Removals Operations San Antonio Field Office Director Miguel Vergara. “Our brave officers are out on the streets everyday removing the most egregious criminal aliens.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered Teran-Aguilar at the Port of Entry in Calexico, California, Nov. 1, 2024, and paroled him into the United States.

Members of the public 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.

Updated: 02/21/2025
February 26, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Antonio arrests twice deported Honduran national illegally present in the US

SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Edwin Eli Maldonado-Paredes, a 39-year-old citizen of Honduras, Feb. 18. Maldonado-Paredes has been removed from the U.S. twice, and was illegally present when arrested.

Maldonado-Paredes was ordered removed by an immigration judge on Oct. 12, 2012 and removed to Honduras on Oct. 24, 2012.

Maldonado-Paredes attempted to reenter the U.S. on Dec. 30, 2013. The U.S. Border Patrol reinstated the previous removal order on that same date and he was again removed to Honduras on Jan. 10, 2014.

Maldonado-Paredes is in U.S. Marshals Service custody pending prosecution for reentry of a removed alien, a felony federal crime. He could face up to two years in prison if convicted.

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: 02/27/2025
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July 18, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE San Antonio investigation results in the 17 ½ year sentencing of a South Texas man for receipt of child pornography

SAN ANTONIO – A South Texas man was sentenced to 17 ½ years in prison for receipt of child pornography following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.

David Guzman, 44, from San Antonio was sentenced July 17 by a federal judge to 210 months in prison for receipt of child pornography.

“Seeking out and downloading child pornography, as Guzman did, eternally victimizes the innocent children forced to engage in despicable acts and encourages the production of child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons. “Protecting children from predators and criminal exploitation remains a priority in this district, and I thank our partners at HSI San Antonio for working with us to bring this predator to justice.”

“HSI is dedicated to safeguarding children from exploitation and ensuring justice is served,” said ICE HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “This 17 ½-year sentence reflects the seriousness of crimes involving the receipt of child pornography and underscores our commitment to holding offenders accountable. HSI will continue working tirelessly with our partners to protect vulnerable victims and pursue those who prey on them.”

According to court documents, Guzman knowingly received child pornography and, using his laptop and cell phone, searched for and downloaded files containing child pornography using a peer-to-peer file sharing program called uTorrent. Of the files on his laptop, Guzman possessed 107 image files and 268 video files containing infants, toddlers, bondage, bestiality, and other sadistic acts.

HSI executed a federal search warrant at Guzman’s residence on Nov. 30, 2022. He was arrested on Dec. 1, 2022, and was subsequently charged in a two-count indictment on Dec. 14, 2022. On April 10, 2024, he pled guilty to receipt of child pornography. In addition to the more than 17-year imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Jason Pulliam sentenced Guzman to lifetime supervised release and ordered him to pay $65,000 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bettina Richardson and Kirk Mangels from the Western District of Texas prosecuted the case.

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

For more information about HSI San Antonio and its public safety efforts in Central and South Texas, follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.

Updated: 07/18/2025
September 26, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE San Diego arrests 4 convicted child sex predators

Eduardo Negrete, Hoang Nguyen, Devin Richardson, Walter Ramirez

SAN DIEGO - ICE San Diego officers arrested four illegal aliens who are convicted child sex predators on Sept. 25. The aliens are citizens of Mexico, Vietnam, the Bahamas, and Cuba, who were taken into ICE custody following convictions for crimes against children, including sexual assault, molestation, and rape.

Those arrested include:

Eduardo Negrete, a citizen of Mexico, convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14, and a known gang member from Eastside San Diego.
Hoang Nguyen, a citizen of Vietnam, convicted of molesting a child, lewd acts with a child, and failing to register as a sex offender.
Devin Richardson, a citizen of the Bahamas, convicted of sexual assault of minors, and who failed to register as a sex offender in California.
Walter Ramirez, a citizen of Cuba, convicted of rape, drug-induced sexual assault of a minor, and domestic violence.

All four criminal aliens were arrested in the San Diego area and remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings to their countries or origin.

“Make no mistake: these are predators who targeted the most vulnerable members of our community- CHILDREN,” said Patrick Divver, Field Office Director for ERO San Diego. “Our officers will not allow dangerous criminals like these to hide in our neighborhoods. Especially a convicted sex offender who lived next to what appeared to be an in-home daycare and two blocks from an elementary school. By taking them into custody, ICE has removed an immediate threat to public safety and sent a clear message that child predators who are illegal aliens do not belong in our country.”

For more information on how ICE makes communities safer by removing criminal aliens, visit www.ice.gov

Updated: 09/26/2025