November 13, 2025Miami, FL, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE and state of Florida arrest 230 criminal alien sexual predators, violent criminals in 10-day operation

Federal-state partnership removes dangerous illegal aliens from communities, preventing future crimes

MIAMI — ICE, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, launched on Oct. 25 Operation Criminal Return, a statewide initiative targeting convicted sexual predators and offenders who pose significant threats to public safety.

During the 10-day operation, ICE and 287(g) partner FDLE arrested 230 criminal illegal aliens who are registered sex offenders and have egregious criminal histories. These crimes include sexual assault, sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation of children, possession of narcotics, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, burglary, attempted premeditated murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery.

“This operation underscores President Trump and Secretary Noem’s determination to target and remove dangerous criminal alien predators from the United States,” said ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. “Sanctuary cities that shield these criminals from accountability undermine the rule of law and jeopardize the safety of their residents. By contrast, Florida has shown exceptional leadership and dedication to public safety through strong partnerships with ICE. Together, we send an unmistakable message: Criminal aliens who threaten our citizens and violate our laws will be removed and prevented from committing further heinous crimes.”

"Through Operation Criminal Return, hundreds of the most dangerous illegal criminal aliens with horrific criminal histories, including sexual crimes against children, are off our streets and will be out of our country soon," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Florida has been the most aggressive state in America on combating illegal immigration, and our state and local law enforcement agencies are doing more every day to be the federal government's greatest tool in the fight to enforce immigration law."

“Florida will not harbor criminal aliens who threaten public safety. Through this joint operation with ICE, we located and arrested convicted illegal alien sexual offenders and predators, ensuring they can no longer harm our communities,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “In Florida, strong partnerships are vital to public safety, and our collaboration with ICE provides a model for the rest of the country as we continue to carry out the mission of President Trump and Governor DeSantis in removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our communities.”

Some of the criminal illegal alien offenders apprehended include the following:

Frank Rene Gacitaborges, a 51-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested on Oct. 26. He has a criminal history that includes a conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years of age in Miami and was sentenced to 4 years of incarceration. An immigration judge ordered him removed March 17, 2022.

Victor Julio Silva Diaz, a 26-year-old criminal illegal alien from Venezuela, was arrested Nov. 5. His criminal history includes a conviction for aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 13.

Andrii Kurbatov, a 45-year-old criminal illegal alien from Ukraine, was arrested Oct. 27. He has a criminal history that includes convictions for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. An immigration judge ordered him removed March 27, 2024.

Sergio Velazquez Carnero, a 63-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Nov. 4. His criminal history includes convictions for lewd and lascivious assault on a child, contributing to the delinquency of a child, petit theft, petit larceny and multiple sexual offender violator registration requirements. An immigration judge ordered him removed July 1, 2017.

Saturnino Duran, a 69-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Oct. 25. His criminal history includes a conviction for lewd and lascivious behavior with a minor. He has a final order of removal dated July 31, 2020.

Vladimir Garcia, a 48-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Oct. 25. His criminal history includes convictions for possession of burglary tools, third-degree grand theft auto, cocaine possession, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, marijuana possession, loitering, resisting arrest without violence, cannabis possession, lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16 years of age, and violation of sexual offender registration requirements. An immigration judge ordered him removed April 3, 2012.

Aniel Chavez Cera, a 30-year-old criminal illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested Oct. 29. His criminal history includes convictions for possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, attempted premeditated murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery. He was ordered removed by an immigration judge on Dec. 8, 2022.

These arrests highlight the critical 287(g) partnership between ICE and FDLE in protecting vulnerable populations and removing dangerous individuals from the country. Under ICE’s 287g Task Force Model, local law enforcement officers who encounter suspected illegal aliens receive delegated authority to question and arrest those violating immigration law. The 287g Task Force Model is a powerful force multiplier, extending the reach of ICE and providing local agencies with a tool to protect their communities.

Video footage from this operation is available here: ICE ERO Targeted Enforcement Operation.

For updates on ICE’s enforcement efforts in Florida, follow ERO Miami on X at @EROMiami. To report crimes or suspicious activity, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit tips via the online form.

Updated: 05/08/2026