stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
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May 13, 2025Sioux Falls, SD, United StatesWorksite Enforcement

ICE St. Paul targets unauthorized employment, arrests illegal aliens in rural South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with support from the FBI, Internal Revenue Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, Madison Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, conducted a worksite enforcement criminal investigation in Madison May 13. Eight illegal aliens were arrested during the operation.

The multiagency investigation took place at Manitou Equipment America and Global Polymer Industries, resulting in a total of eight arrests. At Manitou, three illegal aliens, two from Nicaragua and one from El Salvador, were arrested. At Global, five illegal aliens, three from Nicaragua and two from Guatemala, were arrested. All eight individuals are currently being held by ICE pending removal proceedings.

“Worksite enforcement remains a critical component of our mission to uphold the law and protect the integrity of the U.S. labor market. Employers who knowingly hire individuals without legal work authorization not only undermine our nation’s immigration laws but also exploit vulnerable populations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt. “These enforcement actions make it clear: illegal hiring practices aren’t limited to major metropolitan areas – they are happening in small towns across rural America, and we will continue to hold violators accountable, wherever they operate.”

ICE officials emphasized the agency’s continued focus on identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

For more information about ICE HSI St. Paul and its efforts to enhance public safety in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, follow on X at @HSISaintPaul.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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September 8, 2025Tampa, FL, United StatesFinancial Crimes, Human Smuggling/Trafficking

ICE stops international alien smuggling, asylum fraud conspiracy

TAMPA, Fla. — ICE Homeland Security Investigations joined U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi to announce 12 individuals charged in an international conspiracy involving alien smuggling, asylum fraud and money laundering schemes that brought thousands of illegal aliens into the United States for profit.

The fraudsters thought they were smarter than the U.S. government, but they found out HSI fights for the integrity of our nation’s immigration systems.

“This superseding indictment exposes the depth of a multiyear conspiracy of alien smuggling, asylum fraud and money laundering that preyed on vulnerable individuals and weakened public trust in the immigration system,” said ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons. “This highlights the critical role ICE has in dismantling these criminal networks, combating immigration fraud, and ensuring criminals who abuse our systems are held accountable. We are resolved to protect the integrity of our immigration system and safeguard our national security.”

Read more on Justice.gov.

Learn more about our mission in Central and Northern Florida — check out @HSITampa on X.

Updated: 09/08/2025
August 18, 2025Knoxville, TN, United StatesTransnational Gangs

ICE strikes major blow against Carteles Unidos: Charges filed against 5 top leaders

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a landmark operation targeting one of the world’s most dangerous cartels, ICE, in coordination with domestic and international partners, are leading an investigation that’s resulted in criminal charges against five high-ranking leaders of the Mexico-based Carteles Unidos. The charges, which include drug trafficking and weapons offenses, mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to dismantle the recently designated foreign terrorist organization’s violent operations and disrupt its vast narcotics distribution network spanning the United States and beyond.

“This case is a direct result of the hard work and collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners,” said HSI Nashville acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “This extensive investigation highlights our unwavering commitment to protecting our country and communities from the dangers of illegal drug and weapons trafficking. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these criminal organizations are disrupted and held accountable.”

Read more at Justice.gov.

Updated: 08/18/2025
February 24, 2025Tampa, FL, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE Tampa, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office captures illegal alien after manhunt

TAMPA, Fla. – A previously deported criminal illegal alien from Honduras accused of raping a minor under 12-years-of-age was arrested following a manhunt by Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tampa.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced the arrest of Yobany Gustavo Izaguierre Barahona, 24, charging him with two counts of capital sexual battery with a minor under 12-years-of-age. The victim is safe and receiving the necessary resources.

On the evening of Feb. 20, 2025, Barahona was home with the minor when he forced himself onto the victim. Upon discovery by another individual, the subject fled. In partnership with ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa and Border Patrol, the Pasco Sheriff's Office immediately began to search for the subject, who they located in the afternoon of Feb. 21, 2025.

On June 25, 2021, Barahona was encountered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered in Rio Grande, Texas. He was subsequently removed by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston on Aug. 4, 2021, from the U.S. to Honduras via ICE Air Operations charter flight. Barahona reentered illegally to the U.S. at an unknown date.

ICE HSI Tampa has lodged a Form I-247 Immigration Detainer Notice of Action with Pasco Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.

There are no reports of additional victims at this time; however, contact the PSO Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or report tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips if you or a loved one believe you may be a victim. Also, you can contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or report it through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.

Updated: 02/24/2025
February 13, 2026Del Rio, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

ICE thwarts major smuggling event; Texas woman sentenced to 11 years, ordered to pay over $955K

DEL RIO, Texas — A San Antonio woman was sentenced Jan. 30 in federal court following an investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ Eagle Pass office. Erica Aracely Carmona, 36, was sentenced by a federal judge to 11 years in prison and ordered to pay $955,350 for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death. She was arrested Aug. 23, 2022, and pleaded guilty Dec. 19, 2022.

“The loss of life in this case is a stark reminder that human smuggling is not just a crime — it is a deadly threat to our communities and those seeking a better future,” said HSI San Antonio acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco. “Carmona’s sentencing demonstrates that HSI and our partners will relentlessly pursue and dismantle criminal organizations that prioritize profit over human life. We will not tolerate those who exploit and endanger vulnerable individuals, and we will continue to bring the full weight of justice against anyone responsible for these events.”

Read more on Justice.gov.

A “tow-behind” trailer used by the organization to smuggle illegal aliens from Eagle Pass to San Antonio. The trailers were custom made by alien smuggling organization member, Evan John Herrera, to conceal the illegal aliens in route.

Federal law enforcement interdicted an alien smuggling operation that used the “tow-behind” trailer.

The exterior of the tractor-trailer that was to be used by the organization to smuggle illegal aliens from Eagle Pass to San Antonio. The trailer was custom built to hold as many as 40 illegal aliens, and it was retrofitted with air conditioning in the false trap compartment. The organization had graduated from the “tow-behind” trailers to 18-wheelers to transport the illegal aliens.

The top of the trailer that was to be used by the organization to smuggle illegal aliens from Eagle Pass to San Antonio.

The interior of the false compartment that was to be used by the organization to smuggle illegal aliens from Eagle Pass to San Antonio.

Updated: 02/13/2026
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February 12, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Tucson arrests Mexican national illegally present in the US, wanted in Mexico for homicide

TUCSON, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegal Mexican national wanted for homicide in Mexico when ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Michell Armando Santander-Ortega, 30, Feb. 8.

"The removal of Michell Armando Santander-Ortega demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that criminal aliens face justice,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantu. “By collaborating with our law enforcement partners and enforcing immigration laws, we ensure that dangerous criminals are removed from our communities.”

Santander-Ortega illegally entered the United States on an unknown date. On Jan. 7, ERO Tucson received information through an ICE Tip Line referral leading to Santander-Ortega’s arrest nearly a month later. He was transferred to the Florence Detention Center in Florence, to await a hearing before an immigration judge.

Santander-Ortega is in ICE custody pending the outcome of his immigration case.

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.

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

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 19, 2025Detroit, MI, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE, US Border Patrol nab Venezuelan illegal alien with alleged child sexually abusive material

DETROIT — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol apprehended a Venezuelan illegal alien who is now facing charges for the alleged production of child sexually abusive material with a toddler-aged minor.

Gibraltar Border Patrol Station agents arrested Luis Angel Alvarez-Alvarez, an ICE fugitive with a final order of removal, Feb. 11 in the River Rouge suburb of Detroit.

During a subsequent search of his cellular device, officers discovered the alleged child sexually abusive material and contacted ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

ICE HSI agents’ investigation determined the material depicted the sexual abuse of a child. Alvarez-Alvarez was arrested and charged with production and possession of child pornography.

Alvarez-Alvarez remains in custody pending the disposition of his charges.

This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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.

Learn more about ICE Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit and @HSIDetroit.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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May 15, 2025Salt Lake City, UT, United StatesNarcotics

ICE Utah search warrant results in 19 arrested

ST. GEORGE, Utah — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in a joint operation with Washington City Police Department, served a Utah state search warrant May 14 for possession of false documents and illegal drugs at a collection of residences in Washington City.

Those taken into custody include:

Six illegal aliens with final orders of removal, two illegal aliens with expedited removal orders, five illegal aliens with voluntary departures, and three with notices to appear before an immigration judge.
An illegal alien from Mexico with charges of identity theft and forgery.
An illegal alien from Guatemala with prior removal from the United States, and current charges for identity theft and forgery.

"By leveraging the assets of federal and local law enforcement, we will continue to successfully fulfill our mission of ensuring public safety and national security," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes, Jr. "Our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners will ultimately result in safer neighborhoods and stronger communities."

During the search, 19 subjects were encountered and arrested for federal crimes, including being illegally present in the U.S., illegal reentry after a prior order of removal, Utah state charges related to forgery and identity theft, and one Utah state arrest warrant for drug-related charges.

The focus of the search warrant was a sprawling home with subdivisions throughout, designed to house dozens of adults in cramped, unsafe conditions. Local law enforcement records reflect multiple police contacts over a multiyear period for domestic-violence related shooting, drug-related calls, and numerous noise complaints, and was generally regarded as an "extremely problematic" dwelling by local law enforcement and city leadership.

This was a joint investigation between HSI St. George and the Washington City Police Department, with heavy involvement and support from Enforcement and Removal Operations in St. George, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. George Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office. All arrested individuals will remain in ICE custody pending criminal or removal proceedings.

For more information, visit ICE.gov or follow HSI Las Vegas on X at @HSILasVegas.

Updated: 06/13/2025
April 8, 2026Washington, DC, United StatesIntellectual Property Rights and Commercial Fraud

ICE warns fans of counterfeit merchandise ahead of FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON — As excitement builds for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, ICE is warning sports fans to remain vigilant against criminals seeking to profit from the global event through the sale of counterfeit merchandise.

“Every year, major international sporting events attract bad actors who attempt to cash in by selling fake jerseys, hats, tickets and memorabilia,” said ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall. “These counterfeit goods are often marketed online and in person, preying on fan enthusiasm and making it difficult to identify authentic products from fraudulent ones.”

Throughout the year, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations directorate, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and state and local law enforcement work through the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center to identify and disrupt the sale of counterfeit goods. These efforts target international shipments, online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms and retail outlets involved in illicit trade.

Last year alone, authorities seized more than 276,000 counterfeit sports related items valued at over $33 million MSRP as part of nationwide enforcement actions. With the World Cup drawing a global audience, ICE expects similar criminal activity and is taking proactive steps to protect consumers and legitimate businesses.

ICE also continues to support public awareness efforts through its “True Fans Keep It Real” campaign, which educates consumers about the risks associated with counterfeit goods and provides resources to help fans make informed purchasing decisions.

Additional consumer tips:

Shop only at trusted retail locations.
Remember, criminals often use legitimate product photos on their websites despite selling fraudulent products.
Use caution before buying expensive items from unfamiliar online sellers. Purchasing merchandise from authorized dealers that are reputable sources for quality merchandise helps ensure that your transaction will be safe, and concerns will be handled responsibly.
Look out for poor quality, sloppy stitching, missing security labels or irregular markings on apparel.
Always purchase tickets from a respected source. If you purchase tickets on the secondary market, stick with reputable companies and double check the website’s guarantee.
Check online bank statements. Keep a record of purchases and copies of confirmation pages and compare them to bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.

Updated: 04/08/2026
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February 12, 2025Annadale, VA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Washington, D.C. and FBI Washington, D.C. arrest 7 illegal aliens in Northern Virginia operation

ANNANDALE, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, assisted by the FBI, apprehended seven illegally present aliens during a routine enforcement operation in Annandale, Feb. 5.

“These seven individuals were in the Northern Virginia area in violation of U.S. immigration laws,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. acting Field Office Director Patrick Divver. “ICE Washington, D.C.’s mission is to ensure the safety and security of our District of Columbia and Virginia communities through the arrest and removal of those individuals who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws. We take this mission extremely seriously, and we will continue to arrest and remove alien offenders.”

During the targeted operation, ICE officers and FBI special agents arrested:

A 51-year-old, previously deported Mexican national convicted of DWI in Prince William County, Virginia, in April 2024.
A 36-year-old Nicaraguan national who refused to depart the United States to Nicaragua after being ordered to do so on Jan. 24 by a Department of Justice immigration judge.
A 24-year-old Honduran national, with no previous encounters with ICE, who illegally entered the U.S. without inspection, admission, or parole by a designated immigration official.
A 22-year-old Salvadoran national previously apprehended after illegally entering the U.S. in June 2019.
A 32-year-old Guatemalan national who entered the U.S. lawfully and violated the terms of his lawful admission.
A 24-year-old Guatemalan national, with no previous encounters with ICE, who illegally entered the U.S. without inspection, admission, or parole by a designated immigration official.
A 30-year-old Guatemalan national, with no previous encounters with ICE, who illegally entered the U.S. without inspection, admission, or parole by a designated immigration official.

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: @EROWashington.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 24, 2025Sterling, VA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Washington, D.C., and law enforcement partners arrest 3 illegal aliens in Northern Virginia

STERLING, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, apprehended three illegally present aliens during a routine enforcement operation in Sterling, Feb. 19.

“These three fugitives were illegally present in the Northern Virginia area in violation of U.S. immigration laws,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott. “ICE Washington, D.C.’s mission is to ensure the safety and security of our District of Columbia and Virginia communities through the arrest and removal of those individuals who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our laws. Those who flagrantly violate U.S. laws should expect to be arrested and removed.”

During the targeted operation, ICE officers and DEA agents arrested:

A 49-year-old Salvadoran alien who illegally re-entered the United States after having previously been removed to El Salvador in September 2003.
A 34-year-old, illegally-present Honduran alien. An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered the Honduran alien removed from the U.S. in November 2024.
A 36-year-old, illegally present Salvadoran alien. An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered the Salvadoran alien removed from the U.S. in November 2006.

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: @EROWashington.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 27, 2025Winchester, VA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Washington, D.C. arrests illegal Haitian national charged with assault, firearms crimes

WINCHESTER, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal Haitian national convicted of drug crimes and charged with and threatening with a firearm and assaulting a Virginia resident. Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. arrested Rodney Soloman in Winchester Feb. 7.

“Rodney Soloman has already been convicted of drug crimes in Virginia, and now he stands accused of assaulting and threatening a local resident with a firearm,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott. “Mr. Soloman violated his right to remain in the United States legally and has demonstrated the type of behavior that ICE Washington, D.C. will not tolerate. We stand firmly committed to our mission of prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities.”

Solomon lawfully entered the United States May 18, 1992; however, he violated the terms of his lawful admission.

A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Soloman removed from the United States Aug. 11, 2004.

The Warren County Circuit Court in Front Royal, Virginia, convicted Soloman Dec. 13, 2004, for felony manufacture, sale, possession of cocaine. The court sentenced Soloman to five years in prison but suspended four years and four months of his prison sentence.

The Winchester County General District Court in Winchester, Virginia, convicted Soloman Nov. 14, 2018, for driving while intoxicated. The court sentenced Soloman to four months in prison but suspended all four months of his prison sentence. Officers from the Winchester Police Department arrested Solomon Dec. 24, 2024, and charged him with firearm pointing/brandishing and assault. 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: @EROWashington.

Updated: 06/13/2025