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August 14, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests criminal alien after collision with 2 government vehicles, injuring federal officer

SAN DIEGO — ICE San Diego officers arrested an illegal alien from Mexico Aug. 11 who has been deported from the United States twice and has a prior conviction for driving under the influence. Records indicate the illegal alien was smuggled into the U.S. two times in October 2020 by hiding in the trunk of a vehicle that made its way through the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

During a joint operation with other federal law enforcement agencies, agents conducted a vehicle stop where the driver of the vehicle — an illegal alien — tried to flee the area while recklessly damaging two government vehicles and injuring a federal officer. The illegal alien was taken into custody shortly after the incident.

This incident is a prime example of how sanctuary cities enable criminal aliens to roam freely in our communities, undermining public safety and federal immigration enforcement efforts.

“This operation demonstrates the commitment of ERO officers to enforcing federal immigration laws and protecting public safety,” said Enforcement and Removal Operations San Diego Field Office Director Patrick Divver. “Despite the challenges encountered, our officers remain dedicated to carrying out their duties with professionalism.”

“The arrest of this individual for assaulting ICE officers underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety of law enforcement personnel and holding offenders accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “We will not tolerate violence against law enforcement, and we are resolute in our pursuit of justice.”

Nationwide, assaults on ICE officers and agents have surged more than 1,000% over this time period last year, a trend ERO San Diego says underscores the increasing risks its personnel face during enforcement operations.

ICE continues to focus on arresting individuals who threaten public safety and national security while enforcing immigration laws under federal guidelines.

DHS encourages Americans of any age who are committed to public safety, national service and upholding the rule of law to apply today to jump-start a fulfilling career in federal law enforcement with ICE. Visit join.ice.gov to learn more.

Updated: 08/14/2025
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February 28, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests Guatemalan national with criminal history

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Selvin Perez Thomas, a 24-year-old Guatemalan citizen Feb. 26. Perez has a history of criminal offenses, including driving under the influence, hit-and-run causing death or injury, and conspiracy to file a fraudulent insurance claim.

Perez has been deported from the U.S. twice. He is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

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

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in California on X at @EROSanDiego.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 19, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests illegal Mexican national charged with driving under the influence

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Rogelio Venegas Martinez, 40, a citizen of Mexico on Feb. 17 in Vista, California, on charges related to driving under the influence.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office charged Venegas on Jan. 26 with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of driving under the influence of drugs. ICE issued a notice to appear following his arrest, and Venegas will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

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

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in California on X at @EROSanDiego.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 24, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests illegal Mexican national convicted of DUI and drug possession

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and removed Francisco Samaniego Leal, 44, a citizen of Mexico, Feb. 18.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office initially arrested Samaniego on March 25, 2003, for possession of a control substance. He was also charged with the use of false citizenship.

Samaniego was charged with multiple counts that included driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run, and property damage, on Aug. 21, 2003.

ICE removed Samaniego in accordance with a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge.

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 California on X at @EROSanDiego

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 13, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests illegal Mexican national convicted of sex offenses

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Freddy Mogollan, 41, a citizen of Mexico and convicted sex offender, Feb. 11 in San Diego.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office arrested Mogollan on Sept. 9, 2022, on 28 misdemeanor counts and one felony count, including possession of child pornography, peeking through a private area, and invading privacy with a concealed camera.

The San Diego Superior Court convicted Mogollan on May 5, 2023, of one felony count of possessing matter depicting a person under 18 in sexual conduct and four misdemeanor counts of invading the privacy of another with a concealed camera for the purpose of sexual gratification. He was sentenced to one year in county jail, three years of probation and to be registered as a sex offender.

Mogollan will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

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

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in California on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROSanDiego.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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March 11, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests Mexican national with criminal history

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Daniel Mendivil Esquer, a 38-year-old Mexican citizen, March 6 in Dulzura. Mendivil has a history of criminal offenses, including possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and criminal street gang activity.

Mendivil is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

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

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in California on X at @EROSanDiego.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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May 8, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests Mexican national with extensive criminal history after erroneous release

SAN DIEGO — On May 7, Enforcement and Removal Operations San Diego arrested Humberto Lopez, 50, a citizen of Mexico. Lopez was previously in custody at the San Diego County jail on assault with a deadly weapon charge. Despite an active federal arrest warrant, the San Diego County Sherriff’s office released Lopez without notifying ICE, the warrant-issuing agency.

This arrest exemplifies how SB 54 continues to foster an environment where local agencies hesitate to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, even when legally required. Such legislation forces ICE to operate within communities in ways that inherently increase risks to officers, as it forces ICE to pursue individuals in unpredictable and potentially unsafe situations rather than through secure custodial exchange.

Lopez has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, narcotics trafficking, robbery, and theft. Lopez subsequently re-entered the U.S. illegally, posing a danger to the community and continuing to violate U.S. laws. ERO San Diego served Lopez with a notice of intent to reinstate his prior removal order, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office accepted the case for prosecution. He will be turned over to U.S. Marshals' custody pending arraignment.

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 San Diego on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROSanDiego

Updated: 08/15/2025
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February 28, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests Mexican national with multiple DUI charges

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a 47-year-old Mexican national Javier Duran Torres Feb. 27, following his history of criminal offenses.

Duran was previously arrested by the California Highway Patrol March 9, 2022, for DUI. He was convicted by the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego for DUI, with an enhancement for causing great bodily injury to a child, July 9, 2022.

Duran was arrested again by the San Diego Sheriff Office Feb. 21 for another DUI offense. He is currently in ICE custody and is awaiting removal proceedings.

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

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in California on X at @EROSanDiego.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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May 19, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests previously removed Mexican national with criminal history

SAN DIEGO - On May 15, during enforcement operations, ERO San Diego arrested Jesus Bahena, a 49-year-old Mexican citizen. Bahena’s criminal history includes convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, obstructing law enforcement, and dissuading a witness. Despite multiple removals from the US, Bahena has re-entered the country without admission or parole and has been found illegally residing within the US, continuing to violate federal laws and poses a threat to the community.

Following his arrest, Bahena was served with a notice of intent to reinstate his previous removal order. His case has been accepted for prosecution under Title 8, U.S. Code, Section 1326. He was subsequently taken into custody by the Bureau of Prisons pending his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge.

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 San Diego on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROSanDiego.

Updated: 06/13/2025
September 2, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests unregistered child sex offender criminal alien at in-home daycare

The owner of the daycare harboring this criminal alien is a DACA recipient

SAN DIEGO — ICE San Diego, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, arrested Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez a previously deported illegal alien with an extensive criminal history. Cruz, a documented member of the Logan Heights gang, was residing unlawfully in the United States with his partner, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient who operates an in-home daycare.

Cruz has been deported three times and reentered the United States illegally. His criminal record includes convictions for sex offenses involving a minor, sexual battery, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal alien in possession of a firearm, driving under the influence, obstruction, assault, robbery, and illegal reentry after removal. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently in United States Marshals Service Custody.

“This arrest sends a clear message: ICE will not tolerate violent criminals who repeatedly violate our laws and endanger our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Diego Field Office Director Patrick Divver. “This individual is a dangerous predator with a history of heinous crimes, including preying on children, and his presence in a home daycare setting is absolutely abhorrent and unacceptable. ICE will continue to use every tool at its disposal to remove threats like this from our streets and ensure they face the full weight of justice.”

The operation was conducted as part of ICE’s ongoing efforts to identify, arrest, and remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety and national security. ICE works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure communities are safeguarded from individuals with violent criminal histories.

The suspect will face prosecution for illegal reentry and other potential charges stemming from his criminal activity. ICE will continue to pursue the removal of individuals who violate immigration laws and endanger public safety.

Updated: 09/02/2025
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March 12, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Diego arrests violent criminal illegal alien convicted of attempted murder after reentering the US over 7 times

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and removed illegal alien Jose Antonio Garcia, 51, March 10, to Mexico after Calipatria State Prison honored an immigration detainer following the alien’s scheduled release from prison for conviction of attempted murder.

“Garcia, a convicted aggravated felon without legal status in the United States, has been deported to his home country,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Joseph Freden. “I commend our officers for their dedication to enhancing community safety by addressing threats to public safety and national security.”

Garcia illegally entered the U.S. on at least seven occasions before he was convicted in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Sept. 28, 2007, of attempted murder and evasion of a peace officer resulting in death or injury. He was sentenced to 20 years in state prison.

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 California on X at @EROSanDiego.

Updated: 06/13/2025
August 21, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesNarcotics, Human Smuggling/Trafficking, Financial Crimes

ICE San Diego investigation leads to arraignment of 3 fugitives transferred from Mexico

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Following an ICE San Diego investigation, three fugitives transferred from Mexico — Pablo Edwin Huerta Nuno, also known as Flaquito; Juan Carlos Felix Gastelum, also known as El Chavo Felix; and Abdul Karim Conteh — appeared in federal court in the Southern District of California Aug. 13. They face charges including drug trafficking, human smuggling and money laundering. Huerta Nuno and Felix Gastelum are linked to major cartel operations, while Conteh allegedly led a global human smuggling network.

The arrests, which were part of Operation Take Back America, involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations.

The defendants face significant prison sentences if convicted.

“Cartel-driven drug trafficking poses a threat to the safety of our communities,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “The capture of Pabo Edwin Huerta-Nuno is one step forward in our united effort to dismantle these criminal networks and bring those responsible to justice.”

Read more at Justice.gov

Updated: 08/22/2025
September 23, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesNarcotics

ICE San Diego investigation leads to guilty plea in murders of Washington couple, unborn child

SAN DIEGO — A Mexican national pleaded guilty Sept. 22 to murdering a man and his pregnant wife in Washington state during a drug trafficking dispute, following a yearslong investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

Prosecutors said Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta admitted to fatally shooting 44-year-old Cesar Murillo in August 2022, then luring Murillo’s wife, 33-year-old Maira Hernandez, to a Yakima ranch where co-conspirators killed her and buried both victims. Hernandez’s unborn child also died. The case originated with drug seizures at San Diego border crossings in 2021, ultimately linking Madrigal-Birrueta’s drug ring to Yakima. After extensive searches using radar, cadaver dogs and forensic testing, HSI agents recovered the victims’ remains in September 2023 and seized narcotics, firearms, and body armor. Madrigal-Birrueta is set to be sentenced March 27, 2026, while co-defendant Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas goes to trial in October.

“This case underscores the commitment of HSI to pursue violent criminals who threaten our communities across state lines,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “Through the relentless work of our agents and the critical support of HSI Seattle, HSI Fresno, and our federal and local law enforcement partners, we were able to bring closure to a brutal crime and hold those responsible accountable.”

Read more on Justice.gov.

Updated: 09/23/2025
March 31, 2025San Diego, CA, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking, Worksite Enforcement

ICE San Diego, multiagency case results in 4 defendants charged after warrant served in El Cajon

SAN DIEGO – John Washburn, general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings in El Cajon, and three employees, made their first appearances in federal court March 28 to face immigration charges stemming from a search warrant that was served by federal agents at the property March 27. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with significant assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.

Washburn, along with employees Gilver Martinez-Juanta, Miguel Angel Leal-Sanchez and Fernando Casas-Gamboa, were arrested March 27. Washburn was charged with conspiracy to harbor aliens; the employees were charged with using false documents to work in the United States.

According to the complaint, Washburn employed undocumented workers and allowed them to live in the company’s warehouse. The three charged employees allegedly provided a false attestation regarding their immigration status to secure employment at the business.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major set bond for Washburn at $5,000 and ordered him and the other defendants to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 8, at 9:30 a.m.

Assisting agencies in this investigation include: the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General; United States Border Patrol; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Drug Enforcement Administration, San Diego Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong.

Updated: 03/31/2025
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March 20, 2025San Francisco, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE San Francisco, federal partners target transnational criminal organizations in major enforcement action

SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Probation, conducted a multi-agency operation March 11 targeting the disruption of cartel related narcotics and firearms distribution as well as others identified as criminal threats to the South Lake Tahoe, California community.

Gang members affiliated with Sureno and MS-13 known for their involvement in drug and weapons trafficking were among those arrested in the one-day operation along with other individuals with convictions for possession for sale of narcotics or controlled substances, selling or modifying firearms, narcotics trafficking, DUI, false imprisonment, and possession of obscene material depicting minors in sexual conduct.

"Collaborative enforcement actions of this scale demonstrate a whole government approach with enhanced intelligence-driven investigations followed by coordinated law enforcement action," said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Francisco acting Field Office Director Polly Kaiser. "We will continue to leverage our resources and staff to disrupt and remove those that pose a risk to public safety."

The arrested individuals are currently being processed for federal prosecution and removal proceedings, where applicable.

For more information, visit www.ice.gov or follow @EROSanFrancisco on social media.

Updated: 08/18/2025
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March 10, 2025San Francisco, CA, United StatesTransnational Gangs, Enforcement and Removal

ICE San Francisco, federal partners, target transnational criminal organizations in enforcement operation

Those arrested by ICE San Francisco include members of violent international gangs, known for their involvement in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crimes (ICE photo)

SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in coordination with federal law enforcement partners, conducted a multi-agency operation targeting transnational criminal organizations, violent offenders, sex offenders and repeat immigration violators. The operation, carried out from March 4 to 6, resulted in the apprehension of 44 individuals involved in illicit activities across six Central Valley counties spanning over 210 miles.

Among those arrested were members of violent international gangs, known for their involvement in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crimes. Additionally, ICE took custody of convicted sex offenders who had unlawfully re-entered the United States, as well as individuals facing federal criminal charges for immigration and other violations.

“Operations like this underscore our commitment to disrupting criminal networks that threaten public safety,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “By leveraging federal partnerships and intelligence-driven investigations, we continue to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and remove dangerous offenders from our communities.”

ICE led the operation in collaboration with the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of California is providing prosecutorial support to the operation. Local and state law enforcement agencies were not involved in the operation due to California Senate Bill 54, which restricts cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities.

The arrested individuals are currently being processed for federal prosecution and removal proceedings where applicable. ICE remains committed to working with its federal partners to combat organized crime and protect communities from violent criminal activity.

For more information, follow @HSISanFrancisco on social media.

Updated: 07/09/2025