stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
Follow Us

@ERONewark

March 25, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests Brazilian national convicted of drug trafficking in home country

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Dirlei Da Luz Da Silva, 35, a citizen of Brazil wanted by Brazilian authorities for failing to appear and serve his 12 year, 10-month sentence for drug trafficking related crimes, in Long Branch, New Jersey, March 21.

"We are committed to arresting aliens who have been involved in criminal activity, whether it be in the U.S. or overseas,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.

Da Luz was arrested March 6, 2024, by the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas. The Border Patrol served Da Luz with a notice to appear before releasing him on an order of release on recognizance, pending removal proceedings.

Brazilian authorities issued a criminal arrest warrant for Da Luz in January.

The FBI assisted ICE with the arrest, and Da Luz remains in ICE custody.

Learn more about ICE ERO Newark’s mission to increase public safety in our New Jersey communities on X at @ERONewark.

Updated: 06/13/2025
March 25, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesDocument and Benefit Fraud

ICE arrests Brazilian national for selling fake Social Security cards and green cards

BOSTON – An illegally present Brazilian national, residing in Woburn, was arrested March 18 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for allegedly selling fraudulent Social Security cards and Legal Permanent Resident cards, often referred to as “green cards.”

Liene Tavares De Barros, Jr., 39, is charged with one count of unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature.

According to the charging documents, Tavares De Barros sold a Social Security card and a green card to an undercover officer in October 2024 in exchange for $250. In December 2024, Tavares De Barros allegedly sold two more Social Security cards and green cards to the undercover officer in exchange for $500.

The charge of unlawful transfer of document or authentication feature and unlawful production of document or authentication feature provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Tavares De Barros will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Tavares De Barros was previously removed by ICE in 2010 and 2022.

The investigation was conducted by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force. DBFTFs target and dismantle the transnational criminal organizations and individuals that threaten U.S. national security and public safety – and address vulnerabilities that exist in the immigration system. Through collaboration and partnership, the DBFTFs maximize resources, eliminate duplication of effort, promote the information sharing, and produce a strong law enforcement presence. DBFTFs safeguard against fraudulent activities related to documents and benefits in the United States.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated: 03/25/2025
Related Information

Know2Protect Campaign

September 22, 2025San Juan, PR, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE arrests child predator charged with sexual exploitation of 2 young girls following investigation in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Joseph Cruz-Santiago, a 32-year-old man from Caguas, Puerto Rico, on criminal charges related to child exploitation. Cruz-Santiago faces charges on sexual exploitation and coercion and enticement of two female minors, receipt and possession of child exploitation material, and transfer of obscene material to a minor.

Between December 2024 and February 2025, Cruz-Santiago used his cellphone, messaging apps, and social media to entice two young girls, aged 11 to 12, into sexual activity and created explicit images of the abuse. He also received child exploitation material and sent obscene material to the victims online. Additionally, from July 2024 to July 2025, he possessed and viewed child pornography, including explicit material involving minors under 12 years old.

HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos said: “Child predators will find endless ways to manipulate their victims as part of their ill behavior. It’s important that we understand the mechanisms they are using and the risks our children have online. Parents and trusted adults must commit to educate themselves about potential threats and the latest online platforms to protect our children from sexual exploitation. Let’s all together take a Pledge to Protect.”

Read more on Justice.gov.

Updated: 05/19/2026
March 6, 2025Portland, ME, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

ICE arrests Chinese citizen charged with sex trafficking

PORTLAND, Maine – An unlawfully present Chinese national charged with sex trafficking now faces removal to China after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation. Tian Tao, 54, a citizen of China, was arrested by Rockland Police and ICE for sex trafficking violations and entered ICE custody Feb. 20. He remains in ICE custody pending removal.

“Illicit massage parlors are notoriously difficult to investigate, but collaboration between our special agents and local police allowed us to bring a significant consequence to a person charged with a serious crime in our community. There is no place in New England for people who exploit and traffic vulnerable people. Working together, we prove that actions have consequences – in this case, the consequence is removal from the United States,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol.

Local police in Lincoln County received information in 2023 regarding a potential illicit massage parlor operating in the county. ICE was contacted to assist in the investigation and developed information allegedly tying Tao to other illicit massage parlors in the area. With this information, Rockland Police obtained a state warrant and arrested Tao for sex trafficking.

Tao entered the United States lawfully in 2016 but violated the terms of his admission.

This case was investigated by ICE alongside the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office and the Rockland Police Department.

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

Updated: 03/07/2025
Follow Us

@ERONewark

March 26, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests Chinese national convicted of illegally acting as agent of foreign government

ICE apprehended Ming Xi Zhang, a Chinese national who was sentenced last year for acting as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the U.S. Attorney General. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark arrested and detained him on March 24 in Newark, New Jersey He remains in ICE custody.

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended a Chinese national who was convicted of illegally acting as an agent of a foreign government.

ICE Newark arrested Ming Xi Zhang March 24 in Newark, New Jersey, He remains in ICE custody.

“Any illegal alien conducting activities related to espionage, sabotage or export control against the United States is subject to deportation,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.

Zhang lawfully entered the United States in June 2000 at the Los Angeles International Airport; however, he violated the terms of his lawful admission.

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey convicted Zhang for illegally acting as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General and sentenced him on April 30, 2024, to probation for a term of three years.

Learn more about ICE ERO Newark’s mission to increase public safety in our New Jersey communities on X at @ERONewark.

Updated: 06/13/2025
Follow Us

@EROHarlingen

August 22, 2025Corpus Christi, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests convicted criminal alien, immigration violator released on bond by the Biden administration

This criminal alien was arrested for sexual abuse and had a pending felony charge when he was released

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — ICE officers assigned to the Corpus Christi sub-office, in coordination with the FBI’s Corpus Christi Resident Office, arrested Ahmed Mohamed Yasser Salama, 35, a criminal illegal alien from Egypt Aug. 19. Salama was arrested and charged with first degree felony sexual abuse Sept. 9, 2019, and later granted an immigration bond and released due to the Biden administration’s irresponsible immigration policies.

“Salama was clearly a threat to public safety, but the policies at the time allowed him to be released and possibly reoffend,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Harlingen Field Office Director Juan Agudelo. “Being allowed to enter the United States is a privilege. Anyone who violates their terms of admission by committing egregious felonies will not be allowed to remain here. We will find you, arrest you and deport you.”

Salama entered the U.S. on a conditional basis July 11, 2017, with a nonimmigrant visa. The Department of State terminated his visa on Nov. 15, 2019, for violating the University of Alabama Code of Conduct.

Salama was arrested by ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents in Houston on Aug. 26, 2021, due to a felony arrest warrant issued by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in early 2021 for first-degree felony sexual abuse. Salama was extradited to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was indicted. He paid a bond and was released.

Upon his release from the Etowah County Detention Center in Alabama, Salama was taken into ICE custody Sept. 11, 2021, and placed in removal proceedings. Salama was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge after being admitted as a nonimmigrant and violating the conditions of his admission.

Under the Biden administration’s policies, Salama was granted an immigration bond Nov. 17, 2021, and released from ICE custody on Nov. 18, 2021, with reporting requirements.

Salama pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of harassment on Aug. 30, 2024, and was sentenced to 60 days of confinement. He was released in Alabama after completing his jail sentence and continued reporting to ICE as instructed.

On Feb. 21, 2025, an immigration judge denied Salama’s request to terminate his removal proceedings.

On Aug. 19, 2025, ICE arrested Salama in Corpus Christi. He will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his immigration proceedings.

Members of the public can report suspected violations of U.S. immigration law and other suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws in Texas follow us on X at @EROHarlingen.

Updated: 08/22/2025
Follow Us

@EROBaltimore

May 27, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests convicted rapist after local jurisdiction fails to honor immigration detainer

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegally present, 20-year-old Honduran national convicted of second-degree rape in Maryland. Officers with ICE Baltimore arrested Alex Yonatan Flores-Arce, May 22 after the Howard County Detention Center failed to honor an ICE immigration detainer and released Flores back into the community on two separate occasions.

“The decision by Howard County Detention Center to ignore our immigration detainer and release a removable individual with an egregious criminal history undermines public safety and put Maryland communities at risk,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “This failure is not an isolated incident, but part of a concerning pattern we see all too often. ICE Baltimore remains committed to prioritizing public safety. Working together with local jurisdictions is the only way to keep our neighborhoods safe and uphold the rule of law.”

On March 12, 2019, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered Flores near El Paso, Texas, and served him a notice to appear.

The Howard County Police Department arrested and charged Flores with second-degree rape Oct.17, 2024. The Circuit Court for Howard County convicted Flores April 29 and sentenced him to 15 years of confinement and five years of supervised probation.

ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Flores with Howard County Department of Corrections Jan. 13. On May 5, the department failed to honor the immigration detainer and released Flores from custody.

The Howard County Police Department arrested and charged Flores with a violation of probation May 8.

ICE Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations team arrested Flores at large as he walked out of the detention center. Flores has a final administrative removal order and will remain in ICE custody.

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, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

Updated: 06/13/2025
January 8, 2026Minneapolis, MN, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests convicted sexual predator who was allowed to roam free in Minneapolis because of Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey’s sanctuary policies

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers launched a targeted enforcement operation in Minnesota, Dec. 31, to locate and apprehend Mahad Abdulkadir Yusuf, a criminal illegal alien and convicted sex offender from Somalia. Thanks to the sanctuary policies of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, this dangerous criminal was free to prowl the streets and victimize Minneapolis residents for years.

Yusuf committed a series of horrific crimes, including a conviction for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree where he forced his victim to perform oral sex on him multiple times. He was also arrested in 2016 for assault in the first degree and has an active warrant from 2024 for obstructing police.

He originally entered the United States in 1996 and was a lawful permanent resident. However, he threw away his shot at the American dream by repaying our country’s generosity with these vicious crimes.

ICE HSI arrested Yusuf at his Lake Street apartment. They had previously attempted to make this arrest, but the apartment manager obstructed federal law enforcement agents by preventing them from entering the building and actively protected this known, convicted sex offender. This time, ICE was successful.

“Local sanctuary policies and continued misinformation about what ICE operations actually entail continue to fuel these irresponsible, dangerous acts of obstructing law enforcement,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “Every time local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with ICE, and every time activists use their ridiculous whistles and bullhorns to alert criminal aliens, they are helping violent offenders, including convicted sex predators like this one, escape justice.”

DHS has prioritized removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens as part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to return law and order to the United States. Since Jan. 20, 2025, DHS enforcement operations have resulted in more than 622,000 deportations. 70% of those illegal aliens arrested by ICE have prior criminal arrests or criminal convictions. This statistic doesn’t account for those wanted for crimes in their home country or another country, INTERPOL notices, human rights abusers, gang members, and terrorists.

Americans can see more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested in their communities on our webpage wow.dhs.gov.

Updated: 01/08/2026
Follow Us

@EROBuffalo

January 12, 2026Buffalo, NY, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests criminal alien from Afghanistan convicted of attempted murder, assault

The alien stabbed his teenage sister after calling her a ‘bad Muslim girl’

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ICE Buffalo arrested an illegal alien from Afghanistan convicted of attempted murder after he stabbed his 19-year-old sister numerous times in an attempt to kill her. ICE officers arrested Waheed Allah Mohammad, 39, in Rochester Jan. 1.

“This criminal illegal alien tried to kill his own sister,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “A court convicted him of first-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault, then sentenced him to 10 years in prison and five years of supervision. When we say ICE is arresting the ‘worst of the worst,’ this is exactly what we mean. We’re conducting targeted enforcement operations to arrest and remove convicted criminals like Mohammad who pose clear threats to their families, communities and states.”

Mohammad stabbed his sister several times following a 2008 argument where he called her a “bad Muslim girl” and said she had disgraced her family by dressing immodestly and frequenting dance clubs.

“Waheed Allah Mohammad was given a golden opportunity to lawfully reside in the United States, but instead of making the most of his American dream, he decided to break our laws by violently attacking his own sister,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Buffalo acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich. “As a convicted violent offender, Mohammad represents the worst of the worst and is exactly the kind of alien that ICE Buffalo seeks to remove from our New York neighborhoods. ICE Buffalo will continue to prioritize the safety of our American communities by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our streets.”

Mohammad lawfully entered the U.S. May 24, 2004. His conviction for attempted murder, however, violated the terms of his legal status.

On Feb. 6, 2009, the state of New York convicted Mohammad of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. The court sentenced him to 10 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision.

ICE Buffalo entered Mohammad into removal proceedings in April 2009, and on May 31, 2012, a Justice Department immigration judge ordered Mohammad deported from the United States.

ICE Buffalo officers arrested Mohammad Jan. 1 in Rochester and took him into custody. Mohammad will remain in ICE custody pending his removal from the U.S.

Members of the public with information regarding criminal alien offenders can make a report by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE Buffalo’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBuffalo.

Updated: 01/21/2026
Follow Us

@EROBoston

March 6, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests criminal alien and foreign fugitive wanted for felony drug trafficking in Brazil

BOSTON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested criminal alien and fugitive from justice Leandro Romano de Souza, 27, for a felony drug trafficking conviction in Brazil, Jan. 27.

“The arrest of this criminal alien, who illegally entered the U.S. in an attempt to evade justice, underscores our relentless commitment to identifying and apprehending individuals who exploit our borders to escape accountability,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde. “We remain dedicated to working closely with our international law enforcement partners to ensure that foreign fugitives seeking refuge in our communities are swiftly located and removed from our community.”

Romano de Souza entered the United States at or near Calexico, California, without inspection or admission by an immigration officer in April 2024. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Romano de Souza and released him on an order of recognizance.

The Criminal Enforcement Court of the District of Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil issued an arrest warrant for Romano de Souza in September 2024 to serve the remainder of his 14 plus year sentence in Brazil.

ICE arrested Romano de Souza during an enhanced operation in Peabody, Jan. 27. Romano de Souza remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

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’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.

Updated: 06/13/2025
Follow Us

@HSIHouston

February 14, 2025Houston, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests criminal alien convicted of secretly recording others in bathroom

HOUSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a criminal alien Feb. 11 who was previously convicted of secretly recording others in the bathroom.

ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Houston arrested Daniel Alejandro Tristan-Guerra, a 28-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, in Hallettsville and he was taken to the Victoria County Jail for processing.

“The residents in Southeast Texas can rest easier today knowing this predator has been removed from the community,” said ICE HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Working alongside our partners in Lavaca County, ICE HSI special agents were able to safely apprehend him when his guard was down and minimize any threat to the public.”

Tristan-Guerra was convicted Aug. 23, 2021, on two counts of invasive visual recording in a bathroom following an investigation by ICE HSI Houston and the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office.

For more news and information on ICE HSI Houston’s efforts to combat transnational crime in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @HSIHouston.

Updated: 06/13/2025
September 26, 2025Des Moines, IA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE arrests criminal alien serving as Des Moines Public Schools superintendent; prior weapons charges and in possession of loaded handgun at time of arrest

Guyana national tried to evade arrest, officers discovered his abandoned vehicle in a wooded area

Photo 1: September 26, 2025; photo 2: February 2020; photo 3: Loaded handgun found in vehicle September 26, 2025.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Today, ICE Des Moines arrested Ian Andre Roberts, a criminal illegal alien from Guyana in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a fixed blade hunting knife. At the time of his arrest, Roberts was working as the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools despite being an illegal alien with a final order of removal and no work authorization.

During a targeted enforcement operation on Sept. 26, 2025, officers approached Roberts in his vehicle after identifying himself, but he sped away. Officers later discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. State Patrol assisted in locating the subject and he was taken into ICE custody.

Roberts has existing weapon possession charges from February 5, 2020. Roberts entered the United States in 1999 on a student visa and was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May of 2024.

The investigation into how Roberts acquired the handgun is being turned over to the ATF. It is a violation of federal law for those in the U.S. without legal status to possess a firearm and ammunition.

“This suspect was arrested in possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle provided by Des Moines Public Schools after fleeing federal law enforcement,” said ICE ERO St. Paul Field Office Director Sam Olson. “This should be a wake-up call for our communities to the great work that our officers are doing every day to remove public safety threats. How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”

ICE is grateful for the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol in apprehending this subject.

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

Updated: 09/29/2025