stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
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May 5, 2025Phoenix, AZ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Phoenix arrests Guatemalan criminal alien wanted by authorities in New Mexico on a sex-related offense against a child

PHOENIX, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Phoenix officers and agents arrested criminal alien Francisco Alexander Pablo-Antonio, 23, on May 2, following a routine vehicle stop.

Though the Guatemalan national was arrested in Phoenix, Pablo faces an outstanding criminal arrest warrant in New Mexico’s Magistrate Court for the County of San Juan, where he is charged with criminal sexual communication with a child, a Class Four felony offense.

“Illegal aliens who perpetrate egregious crimes against the most vulnerable in our communities will be prioritized for arrest and detention,” said ERO Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida. “ERO Phoenix is resolute in its mission to protect American communities through robust immigration enforcement efforts focused on public safety.”

Pablo was initially encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents near El Paso, Texas, in December 2018. He was issued a notice to appear in March 2019 and released on his own recognizance with strict conditions. An immigration judge ordered Pablo removed from the United States on Sept. 7, 2019, three days before the New Mexico Farmington Magistrate filed criminal charges against him.

He will be held pending a final administrative determination on his case.

If you have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. You can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 28, 2025Phoenix, AZ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Phoenix, law enforcement partners arrest illegal Guatemalan gang member convicted of racketeering, and possession of an unregistered firearm in Arizona

PHOENIX, Arizona — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Phoenix, and law enforcement partners from the Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Hugo Leonel Soto-Moran, 38, in Apache Junction Feb. 24. Soto-Moran is an illegally present Guatemalan alien and validated Latin King gang member with federal convictions for possession of firearm, and racketeering.

“As a documented member of a violent street gang and an alien convicted of serious crimes, Soto-Moran demonstrated a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws and presented a significant danger to the residents of Arizona,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantu. “ICE Phoenix will continue to prioritize the identification, targeting, and arrest of individuals that pose the greatest threat to public safety.”

Soto unlawfully entered the United States at an unspecified date and location. In February 2009, Soto-Moran was convicted for possession of an unregistered firearm, and in August 2011, he was convicted for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Both convictions stemmed from criminal cases before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Soto will be held in ICE custody pending 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 Arizona communities on X: @ERO__Phoenix.

Updated: 08/15/2025
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May 2, 2025Nogales, AZ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Phoenix removes Mexican fugitive wanted for domestic violence

NOGALES, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Roxana Juarez-Balbastro, a 31-year-old Mexican fugitive wanted in Mexico for domestic violence, April 29.

ICE transported Juarez-Balbastro from the Eloy Detention Center to the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, where she was transferred to the custody of Mexican authorities.

“The return of this fugitive to Mexico is a prime example of how ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and remove criminal aliens who are wanted in their native countries,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantu. "This fugitive attempted to flee justice in Mexico and take refuge in Arizona, which is a direct threat to our communities across Arizona."

Juarez-Balbastro entered the United States Jan. 23, 2020, at Nogales on a visitor visa. The Arizona Department of Public Safety arrested her Jan. 24, 2020, for transportation of dangerous drugs for sale. The Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County convicted Juarez-Balbastro Feb. 5, 2021, of conspiracy to commit transportation of dangerous drugs for sale. The court sentenced her to six years of imprisonment.

If you have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. You can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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June 30, 2025Nogales, AZ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Phoenix removes Mexican fugitive

NOGALES, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Edgar Damian Sandoval-Albarran, also known as “La Rana,” a 39-year-old Mexican fugitive wanted in Mexico for the offense of organized crime and forced disappearance of persons, June 26.

ICE transported Sandoval-Albarran from the Florence Detention Center to the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, where he was transferred to the custody of Mexican authorities.

“The removal of Sandoval-Albarran demonstrates the collaborative, whole-of-government approach that ICE supports in protecting the citizens of the U.S.,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantú. “Our dedicated officers and partners in law enforcement have worked tirelessly to ensure that such individuals are brought to justice and then removed from the United States.”

Sandoval-Albarran was previously expelled to Mexico on eight occasions in May, June, November and December 2020. He reentered the U.S. illegally on an unknown date, at an unknown location. ERO Los Angeles Foreign Fugitive Unit received an arrest warrant for Sandoval-Albarran issued by the Government of Mexico for the offense of organized crime and forced disappearance of persons, Sept. 12, 2024. ERO Los Angeles arrested Sandoval-Albarran during a targeted enforcement operation in Paso Robles, California, Jan. 7.

Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423, or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.

Updated: 07/01/2025
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June 12, 2025Nogales, AZ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Phoenix removes Mexican Noroeste Cartel member

NOGALES, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Gerardo Nava-Benitez, a 30-year-old Mexican alien and Noroeste cartel member, June 10.

ICE transported Nava-Benitez from the Florence Detention Center to the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, where he was transferred to the custody of Mexican authorities.

“The removal of Nava-Benitez demonstrates the collaborative, whole-of-government approach that ICE supports in protecting the citizens of the U.S.,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantu. “Our dedicated officers and partners in law enforcement have worked tirelessly to ensure that such individuals are brought to justice and then removed from the United States.”

Nava-Benitez was previously expelled to Mexico on four occasions in October and November 2022. He reentered the U.S. illegally in November 2022 and was encountered by ICE at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on March 13, 2024, following an arrest for criminal activity. Thereafter he was placed in immigration proceedings and was ordered removed by an immigration judge in April 2025.

Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423, or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.

Updated: 06/12/2025
October 29, 2025New Orleans, LA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE places detainer on illegal alien arrested for killing teen during second drunk driving incident

NEW ORLEANS — ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans placed an immigration detainer on Franklin Oriel Fajardo-Arana, an illegal alien from Honduras, following his arrest by the Mobile Police Department on Oct. 27. Fajardo-Arana was charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with the tragic death of a 16-year-old in Mobile, Alabama.

On Oct. 26, the Mobile Police Department responded to a traffic accident and discovered the collision of a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner had flipped on its side, and the teen boy — a passenger — was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On the same day, ERO New Orleans issued an immigration detainer to the Mobile County Metro Jail, ensuring that Fajardo-Arana will be transferred to ICE custody upon his release.

An investigation revealed that the Fairfield Police Department in Kentucky has an active in-state warrant for Fajardo-Arana for a separate DUI offense.

“ICE remains committed to prioritizing the arrest and removal of criminal illegal aliens who pose threats to public safety,” said acting ICE New Orleans Field Officer Director Scott Ladwig. “This case underscores the critical importance of ICE’s partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to identify and remove individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws and endangered our communities.”

ERO New Orleans works closely with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals who pose a threat to public safety or national security. ICE continues to focus its enforcement resources on individuals who have been convicted of crimes, are national security or public safety threats, or have violated U.S. immigration laws.

Updated: 10/29/2025
April 20, 2026Washington, DC, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE pleads with Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s sanctuary state of Virginia not to release accused sexual predator

The agency lodged an immigration detainer against the 28-year-old to prevent him from sexually assaulting anyone else

WASHINGTON — ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the Arlington County jail in Virginia against Luzvin Garcia Moran, a 28-year-old criminal illegal alien from Guatemala who was arrested by the Arlington County Police Department for attempted sexual assault on a woman during the morning of April 12. He faces charges of abduction of a person with intent to defile, sodomy by force or victim helplessness, and assault.

The police department’s preliminary investigation indicates the victim was waiting for a rideshare when Garcia approached and began speaking to her. When she walked away, Garcia followed her and made sexually explicit comments, grabbed her, pushed her into a wall and physically assaulted her. The victim was able to get away from him, but he approached and assaulted her again.

“ICE Washington has lodged a detainer against Garcia’s release,” said Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles. “We hope Arlington County does the right thing by not allowing this sex predator back onto the streets to victimize more innocent Virginians.”

Two people rushed to the victim’s aid and contacted police after hearing her yell for help. Garcia fled the scene on foot, but responding officers quickly located him and took him into custody.

Garcia has an extensive rap sheet spanning from 2020 to 2026, which includes charges for nine counts of being intoxicated in public, assault and battery, disorderly conduct, attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer and several probation violations.

Garcia illegally entered the U.S. at an unknown time and place without inspection by a U.S. immigration official.

Learn more about detainers on ICE’s immigration detainer webpage. Learn more about ICE’s public safety mission on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky or Truth Social.

Updated: 04/20/2026
May 5, 2025Yuma, AZ, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

ICE prevents UAC smuggling incident in Arizona

YUMA, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection thwarted an attempted smuggling incident with an unaccompanied alien child in Yuma April 29. U.S. border officials apprehended a woman attempting to smuggle a 5-year-old boy — identified as “John Doe” in the legal complaint — after the child’s mother allegedly paid a smuggler to transport him illegally into the United States.

CBP worked with the Mexican Consulate to find the child’s mother, a 24-year-old woman living in Veracruz, Mexico, who presented herself at the San Luis Port of Entry later that night to recover her child.

The mother claimed the smuggler coordinated with the child’s father to drop off the little boy. However, the child told investigators he was being taken to live with a man he didn’t know.

“The smuggling of unaccompanied alien children is among the most vile and inhumane crimes imaginable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigation Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “Even more vile, in this case the child’s own mother handed him over to strangers—mules—who attempted to smuggle him into the U.S. using fake identity documents. The woman posing as his guardian also admitted she was going to leave him with a man she didn’t know. It’s horrifying, heartbreaking, and a stark reminder of why HSI aggressively pursues these criminals and the networks that enable them.”

During an interview with ICE HSI special agents, the boy’s mother also revealed that she paid the smuggler, Gloria Lopez Corona, to bring her child to the United States — and that she intended to illegally enter the U.S. April 30 to join her husband, the child’s father, who is an illegal alien with a prior history of illegally entering the U.S.

ICE HSI takes swift action to investigate any criminal activity related to unaccompanied alien children. This includes investigating the exploitive smuggling networks that bring unaccompanied alien children to the United States and criminals who may exploit these at-risk youths in the United States.

“The mother and father in this case are actively violating U.S. border laws and undermining our nation’s security,” continued Burrola. “The father has been deported three times previously, and now both parents have endangered their young child by paying smugglers to facilitate illegal entry. Criminal smuggling networks have no regard for human life and trusting them with a child is both reckless and tragic.”

ICE HSI combats human smuggling by working with its law enforcement partners to deter, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks that engage in it. Special agents use their expertise and rely on HSI’s authorities to seize assets and eliminate profit incentives, work with nongovernmental organizations to protect and assist victims, and bring traffickers to justice.

If you suspect someone may be involved in or a victim of human smuggling or trafficking contact local law enforcement, dial 911 or the ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE.

Updated: 05/05/2025
Related Information

More information on Schilbe’s case

April 13, 2026Washington, DC, United StatesChild Exploitation, Cyber Crimes

ICE releases photos of US citizen from Nevada charged with 4 child sex crimes

WASHINGTON — ICE has released photos of Carl Schilbe, an alleged child sex predator and U.S. citizen from Nevada charged with three counts of attempted child sexual exploitation and one count of obtaining child sexual abuse material. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation that resulted in Schilbe’s four-count indictment.

“If convicted, Schilbe faces up to 20 years in prison,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “I’m incredibly proud of the ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents who investigated this case. They’re heroes — and they know that protecting kids from online sex predators is one of our agency’s most important missions. Many Americans think ICE’s work is strictly immigration related, but that’s just not true. ICE officers and agents enforce more than 400 laws and statutes.”

The Department of Homeland Security leads the Cyber Crimes Center, which targets criminals who use the internet to exploit vulnerable kids and teens.

ICE previously released information on Schilbe’s case, but photos were not available for publication at that time.

If you or a loved one has been victimized by Schilbe or have any information about this case, please contact ICE at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to protect children from online sexual predators on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky or Truth Social.

Updated: 04/13/2026
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November 14, 2025St. Rose, LA, United StatesStatement

ICE relocates New Orleans field office headquarters to St. Rose, Louisiana

ST. ROSE, La. – ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans Field Office has moved from the Central Business District to 181 James Drive W, St. Rose, LA 70087.

All in-person reporting, public facing activity, and official correspondence will be managed at the St. Rose office. Applications and correspondence can be filed in person or mailed to the new location. The St. Rose office is an administrative workspace for ICE staff and daily operations and is NOT a detention facility. The public should utilize the ICE Online Detainee Locator System to locate aliens detained in ICE custody. Public parking is available at the new location.

“We are excited to be in the new St. Rose office space after 20 years in the post Hurricane Katrina emergency location,” said ICE ERO New Orleans Field Office Director Mellissa B. Harper. “This new space provides our staff with a professional and well-equipped workspace to conduct daily operations and is easier for the public to access with free onsite parking. We appreciate the support from St. Charles Parish and the warm welcome we have received from the local community and look forward to supporting local businesses and the Parish.”

The office is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ICE New Orleans can be reached at (504) 318-2360.

Local operations can also be followed on X at @ERONewOrleans.

Updated: 11/17/2025
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February 11, 2025Houston, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE removes 6-time deported criminal alien to Mexico

HOUSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed a six-time deported criminal alien with an extensive criminal history from the U.S. Feb. 10.

ICE transported Jesus Alvarez Sinecio, a 32-year-old Mexican national, from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, to the Laredo Port of Entry where he was released into Mexico.

Alvarez has illegally entered the U.S. at least six times and was previously removed from the country by U.S. immigration officials in November 2013, May 2015, May 2018, October 2018, and November 2019.

While in the country illegally, Alvarez has been convicted of several criminal offenses including aggravated assault of a family member, alien in possession of a firearm, driving under the influence, illegal entry, and illegal re-entry.

“This criminal alien has repeatedly entered the country illegally for over a decade and then gone on to commit serious criminal offenses which directly threatened public safety,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “By carelessly flaunting our system of laws, his actions endangered everyone in the community. Our immigration officers, work tirelessly to quickly identify and remove criminal aliens like this from Southeast Texas who are an immediate threat to the public before their actions can harm any additional victims.”

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

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

ICE removes 6-time deported gang member with violent criminal history to Mexico

The removal marks the third time in 10 days that ICE deported a criminal alien or gang member from the Houston area who illegally entered the US at least 6 times.

HOUSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has removed a transnational gang member or criminal alien from the Houston area who illegally entered the United States at least six times, for the third time in 10 days.

ICE removed Francisco Lopez Melendez, a 32-year-old Mexican national and Suenos-13 gang member, from the U.S. Feb. 19. Melendez has been removed from the U.S. six times and was previously deported to Mexico in November 2013, May 2015, May 2018, October 2018, and November 2019. Melendez has been convicted of numerous criminal offenses while in the U.S. illegally, including three times for failure to give identification or providing law enforcement with fictitious information, twice for drug possession and illegal entry, and once for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, stolen property, burglary, driving while intoxicated and evading arrest.

ICE previously removed Jesus Alvarez Sinecio, a 32-year-old Mexican national deported six times, Feb. 10, and Humberto Romero Avila, a 45-year-old Paisas gang member and foreign fugitive who illegally entered the U.S. 10 times, Feb. 13. Romero was wanted in Mexico for allegedly murdering a 22-year-old Mexican national in 2007 and was convicted four times for DWI and once for larceny, illegal entry and illegal reentry. Alvarez had prior criminal convictions for aggravated assault of a family member, alien in possession of a firearm, DWI, illegal entry and illegal re-entry.

“In recent years, some of the world’s most dangerous fugitives, transnational gang members and criminal aliens have taken advantage of the crisis at our nation’s southern border to illegally enter the U.S.,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “After making it into the country, these violent criminal aliens have infiltrated our local communities and reigned terror on law-abiding residents. Fueled by our unwavering commitment to protect the public from harm, and united in our determination to reestablish sovereignty over our southern border, the law enforcement community in Texas has banded together to remove these dangerous criminals from our country and restore law and order in our communities.”

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

Updated: 02/20/2025