stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
July 3, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

Statement from acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons on Rep. Pramila Jayapal calling ICE a ‘terrorist force’

WASHINGTON — On July 2, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a “terrorist force.”

Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons’ response to the congresswoman:

“An actual Antifa terrorist tried to blow up ICE’s Northwest Processing Center in Rep. Jayapal’s home state of Washington in 2019. At the time, she tried to blame the violent attack on rhetoric from the right, in defense of an actual terrorist who tried to murder detainees and employees alike!

Now, she labels ICE officers enforcing immigration law set by Congress ‘terrorists.’ This, at a time when officers are facing a nearly 700% increase in assaults, in part due to the type of rhetoric she spews. Never in a million years did I think I would witness a sitting member of Congress prioritize regard for violent criminals over the law enforcement officers protecting her community from actual public safety threats. The only apology needed is from the congresswoman to the people who voted for her.”

Updated: 07/03/2025
June 7, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

Statement from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons on assaults against federal law enforcement officers in Los Angeles June 6

“What took place in Los Angeles yesterday was appalling. As rioters attacked federal ICE and law enforcement officers on the LA streets, Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement.

Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered, as over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building. It took over two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond, despite being called multiple times. The brave men and women of ICE were in Los Angeles arresting criminal illegal aliens including gang members, drug traffickers and those with a history of assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery, and smuggling.

These violent rioters will be held accountable if they harm federal officers, and make no mistake, ICE will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens. Sanctuary politicians would do well to remember that impeding our efforts only endangers their communities, law enforcement officers, and the detainees they claim to support.”

Updated: 06/07/2025
May 20, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

Statement by ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s anti-ICE comments

“On the final day of National Police Week — when those brave enough to put on a badge and a uniform mourn their fallen brothers and sisters — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz referred to my professional, hard-working ICE agents and officers as ‘modern-day Gestapo.’ This abhorrent, dehumanizing and ignorant comment should not be tolerated.
It seems that Mr. Walz prefers violent criminal aliens are released into Minnesota’s communities. If the governor doesn’t like the laws, he’s free to advocate that Congress change them, but he should refrain from putting ICE officers in danger by likening them to one of the most appalling groups in history. Assaults against ICE officers are up over 400% from this time period last year, and part of that is because politicians like Gov. Walz are careless with their politically motivated rhetoric. He should issue an immediate apology to the men and women protecting his communities.”

Updated: 05/20/2025
June 30, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

Statement from ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons on news coverage of ‘ICE spotting’ app

“CNN’s promotion of an ‘ICE spotting’ app is reckless and irresponsible,” said ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons. “Advertising an app that basically paints a target on federal law enforcement officers’ backs is sickening. My officers and agents are already facing a 500% increase in assaults, and going on live television to announce an app that lets anyone zero in on their locations is like inviting violence against them with a national megaphone. CNN is willfully endangering the lives of officers who put their lives on the line every day and enabling dangerous criminal aliens to evade U.S. law. Is this simply reckless 'journalism' or overt activism?"

Updated: 06/30/2025
January 26, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

Statement by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with federal partners, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, CBP and the U.S. Marshals Service, began conducting enhanced targeted operations today in Chicago to enforce U.S. immigration law and preserve public safety and national security by keeping potentially dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities.

Updated: 01/27/2025
October 15, 2025Albuquerque, NM, United StatesTransnational Gangs

Suspected Tren de Aragua member pleads guilty following ICE, federal partner investigation

Illegal alien was living at prominent Albuquerque family’s residence

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Venezuelan illegal alien and suspected member of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms and conspiring to destroy evidence after posting photos and videos of himself with weapons on social media.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the FBI, the ATF and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

According to court documents, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, illegally entered the United States on Dec.15, 2023 near Eagle Pass, Texas where U.S. Border Patrol arrested him. On Dec. 17, he was released on his own of recognizance pending the outcome of his immigration case.

In January 2025, HSI received an anonymous tip that Ortega-Lopez was living in Las Cruces and in possession of firearms. Ortega-Lopez posted numerous photos and videos to his Facebook and TikTok accounts showing him handling, displaying and shooting various firearms at a Las Cruces shooting range and other locations.

“As this case demonstrates, HSI is committed to identifying and dismantling threats posed by transnational criminal organizations and foreign terrorist organizations and their members,” said HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “The illegal possession of firearms by individuals who are not only in the country illegally but also affiliated with violent criminal organizations poses a significant danger to our communities. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that those who violate our laws and endanger public safety are held accountable.”

Ortega-Lopez posted photos and videos of himself at social media influencer April Cano’s home. He referred to her parents — Jose and Nancy Cano — as “Patron” and “Patrona” in videos. He worked for the Cano family in exchange for housing.

Ortega-Lopez faces up to 20 years in prison.

Read more about HSI on ICE.gov.

Updated: 10/15/2025
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June 24, 2025Tampa, FL, United StatesPartnership and Engagement

Tampa-based companies sign with IMAGE program

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Tampa has signed an ICE Mutual Agreement Between Government and Employers, or IMAGE, program agreement with Ruri Software Technologies and Famous Technologies, Inc., as part of a voluntary collaborative program with America’s business community.

These privately owned companies entered into IMAGE agreements as part of a mutually beneficial initiative that provides businesses enhanced security and a more stable workforce while minimizing the likelihood of hiring unauthorized workers. This Department of Homeland Security E-Verify employment eligibility program is free to employers and enables them to verify new hires’ eligibility to work in the U.S. Its internet-based system is available throughout the nation and provides an automated link to the Social Security Administration’s database and DHS immigration records.

“These partnerships with businesses in our communities are an integral part of our commitment to providing national security, as well as the security of employees and customers,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “They are leading by example in how a legal workforce is a key component of responsible corporate citizenship.”

As part of these agreements, Ruri Software Technologies and Famous Technologies have pledged to maintain secure and stable workforces and curtail the employment of unauthorized workers through outreach and education.

To qualify for IMAGE certification, companies must:

Complete the IMAGE Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Enroll in the E-Verify program within 60 days
Establish a written hiring and employment eligibility verification policy that includes internal Form I-9 audits at least once per year
Submit to a Form I-9 inspection

Ruri Software Technologies is a rapidly growing IT consulting company providing complete life cycle of software solutions to its clientele. Its companion company, Famous Technologies Inc., is also a rapidly expanding IT consulting firm that provides complete life cycle software solutions in a variety of domains across the U.S. Their basic processes aim to provide innovative, technology-enabled solutions that help provide their customers with leading products and services that endeavor to be on the cutting edge of technology.

“We are proud to align ourselves with the values and standards that IMAGE represents, and we look forward to upholding the integrity and responsibility that comes with this designation,” said Ruri Software technologies director of operations Ram Arikatlal. “It is an honor to be part of this important partnership committed to fostering a lawful workforce while promoting best hiring practices.”

Companies interested in more information about the IMAGE program can call 813-357-7137 or visit ICE.gov/image.

To learn more about HSI Tampa, follow us on X at @HSITampa.

Updated: 06/25/2025
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January 27, 2025Tampa, FL, United StatesChild Exploitation

Tampa man convicted of sex trafficking 2 minors, production of child sex abuse material

TAMPA, Fla. — A federal jury has found a Florida man guilty of two counts of sex trafficking a minor and one count of production of child sex abuse material following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa investigation.

Dontae Dajuan Burton, 40, of Tampa, faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Burton was indicted on Nov. 12, 2024.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Burton arranged commercial sexual activity for two minors, ages 16 and 17, by creating and posting ads for them on adult escort websites. Burton handled all communications with clients, scheduled dates, determined the amount of money to be paid for the sex acts, and transported the victims to and from the dates. Burton managed the money and kept approximately half of what the clients had paid for the sex acts. Burton also recorded and edited a video of one of the victims performing a sex act on him.

This case was investigated by HSI Tampa and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry.

HSI Tampa’s area of responsibility, which includes 10 geographically strategic offices, covers more than 51,600 square miles of the total 65,757 square miles in the state of Florida. This region has more than 14.2 million people and includes 58 of the 67 counties. HSI Tampa also includes five of the 10 largest cities in Florida, 15 primary commercial service airports, and 11 seaports.

Learn more about HSI Tampa’s mission to increase public safety in Florida communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSITampa.

Updated: 06/13/2025
May 19, 2025Laredo, TX, United StatesTransnational Gangs

Tango Blast gang members sentenced after leading law enforcement on multiple vehicle pursuits during smuggling attempts following ICE Laredo, federal partners investigation

LAREDO, Texas - Two members of the Tango Blast gang identified as Juan Miguel Regalado, 28, and Samuel Grajeda Jr., 21, were sentenced May 15 after being convicted of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen imposed a 66-month sentence for Regalado. Grajeda previously received a 30-month-term of imprisonment as well as a consecutive six months for violating his supervised release for a previous alien transporting conviction. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. As part of their guilty pleas, Nov. 12, 2024, both admitted to their involvement in the conspiracy

"These sentences reflect the serious consequences awaiting those who engage in human smuggling and endanger public safety," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "Tango Blast gang members put countless lives at risk during these reckless pursuits. Through strong collaboration with our federal and state law enforcement partners, we remain committed to dismantling violent criminal organizations and protecting our communities."

According to court documents, the investigation began April 20, 2024, when a group of suspected illegal aliens entered a green Tahoe in the Mines Road area. Regalado was driving and soon led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, during which multiple individuals jumped out of the vehicle. Regalado drove up to 100 miles per hour before driving the Tahoe into the Rio Grande River. Regalado then swam across to Mexico. Over the next several months, authorities continued to monitor the Mines Road area for other possible smuggling attempts. In November 2024, another group of illegal aliens entered a white Ford Taurus parked near Father McNaboe Park within the Mines Road area.

Authorities followed until a black Mercedes sedan cut them off. Grajeda and Regalado were the respective drivers. An attempted traffic stop of the Ford Taurus then led to another vehicle pursuit in which Grajeda crashed into an innocent bystander’s vehicle and continued to evade law enforcement. As it ended, law enforcement discovered four illegal aliens and the Ford Taurus abandoned in a north Laredo neighborhood.

Authorities then found Grajeda and Regalado within the vicinity of the abandoned vehicle and took them into custody.

Grajeda and Regalado remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Lopez from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 05/19/2025
February 2, 2026El Paso, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

Texas man sentenced for role in border tunnel smuggling conspiracy

EL PASO, Texas — Following an ICE Homeland Security Investigations El Paso investigation, a local man was sentenced Jan. 28 to federal prison for his role in a cross-border tunnel smuggling conspiracy.

Oscar Ivan Carrillo, 20, of El Paso, received a 33-month sentence for smuggling illegal aliens through a tunnel connecting Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to El Paso.

The HSI El Paso and U.S. Border Patrol investigation began in 2024, after intelligence revealed a sophisticated tunnel built by the La Nueva Empresa, an international drug cartel. The tunnel, which connected Ciudad Juarez to El Paso, ran under the Rio Grande and was equipped with electricity and ventilation.

“This case highlights the relentless efforts of our special agents and U.S. Border Patrol partners to disrupt dangerous smuggling operations,” said HSI El Paso acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho. “Criminals continue to innovate and exploit our border for profit, putting lives at risk and undermining our nation’s security. Through coordinated efforts and strategic partnerships, we are committed to identifying, investigating and dismantling these dangerous smuggling networks.”

Agents discovered that Carrillo and his co-conspirators used handheld tools to connect existing storm drains to the tunnel, guiding migrants through the passage and into the U.S. At the tunnel’s exit, a modified box truck with a trap door was used to covertly transport migrants from the storm drain to the vehicle.

Carrillo was indicted on April 2, 2025, and arrested in June. He pleaded guilty on Nov. 4 to conspiracy to use a border tunnel. The investigation also led to the arrests of other key members of the organization and the recovery of tools and building materials used in the tunnel’s construction.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas as part of Joint Task Force Alpha, a partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security targeting human smuggling and trafficking by cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

Read more about this case here.

Updated: 02/02/2026
June 4, 2025Albuquerque, NM, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

Texas woman sentenced for hostage-taking, extortion in smuggling stash house case investigated by ICE El Paso

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An El Paso, Texas, woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a hostage-taking conspiracy involving the forcible detention and extortion of the victims. The defendant was involved in the hostage-taking conspiracy while serving a term of federal supervised release for a prior alien smuggling conviction.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case with the assistance from the Otero (New Mexico) County Sheriff’s Department.

“This case reveals a disturbing pattern of criminal organizations taking illegal aliens hostage, holding them for ransom, and terrorizing their families until payment is made, and HSI will continue to pursue those responsible,” said Jason T. Stevens, special agent in charge of HSI El Paso.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on April 4, 2024, agents from HSI and Border Patrol responded to a tip from the Otero County Sheriff’s Department regarding individuals being held against their will at an alien smuggling stash house in Chaparral, New Mexico. The joint investigation led law enforcement to the residence where 10 illegal aliens, including three juveniles, were discovered being detained under inhumane conditions, without sufficient food and water.

During the subsequent investigation, agents determined that Valerie Perez, 22, and her coconspirator, Diana Perez, were responsible for detaining the victims. The victims were threatened with physical harm and told they were not allowed to leave. Family members of the victims were contacted and coerced into sending money for the victims’ release.

Valerie Perez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit hostage taking, admitting that she participated in detaining illegal aliens, threatening them with harm, and extorting money from their families and friends in exchange for their release. At the time of this offense, Perez was on supervised release following a prior conviction for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, for which she had been sentenced to one year and one day in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

Upon her release from prison, Valerie Perez will be subject to three years of supervised release. Diana Perez remains in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting this case.

Updated: 06/04/2025
April 23, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives

Tucson man receives 6-year prison sentence for firearms trafficking offenses following ICE Arizona, multiagency investigation

TUCSON, Ariz. — A local area man was sentenced April 15 to six years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised released for smuggling firearms and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations conducted the investigation in this case.

“Laws on owning a firearm arm in the United States are clear — you can’t possess one if you’re a convicted felon — period,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Arizona Francisco Burrola. “The defendant in this case not only knew he was breaking the law but also admitted to participating in organized crime — smuggling guns to Mexico. HSI and our partner agencies will not stand for this kind of criminal activity to take place — by working together, we are putting people in prison who knowingly and willingly violate our laws.”

Julian Canastillo, 23, of Tucson, previously pleaded guilty to six counts of smuggling goods from the United States and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Canastillo was the lead defendant in a 51-count indictment filed Sept. 15, 2022, charging 10 individuals involved in a firearms trafficking organization based in Tucson. An investigation leading to the indictment revealed a series of transactions linked to the organization for firearms that were later seized in the Republic of Mexico. In total, the Tucson-based organization is connected to more than 200 firearms transactions, and Canastillo admitted to smuggling 36 firearms into Mexico.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela W. Woolridge, Craig H. Russell, and Matthew C. Cassell, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

Updated: 04/23/2025
April 3, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesDocument and Benefit Fraud

Tucson sex offender indicted for naturalization fraud following ICE Arizona investigation

TUCSON, Ariz. — A man arrested for child sexual abuse was indicted for naturalization fraud by a federal grand jury in Tucson March 18, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to the indictment, Juan Antonio Ruiz, 47, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in June 2015. The indictment alleges that Ruiz, during his citizenship process, falsely answered “no” to questions about any crimes he had committed but had not been arrested for.

In May 2018, Ruiz was arrested for sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15 and attempted child molestation — crimes he allegedly committed between September 2003 and January 2008, prior to his naturalization. He pleaded guilty to those charges in 2021.

If convicted, Ruiz faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, loss of citizenship and cancellation of his naturalization certificate.

An indictment contains only allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Yew from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix is handling the prosecution.

Updated: 04/03/2025