stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
September 7, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes dangerous MS-13 gang leader wanted for heinous Crimes in El Salvador

Notorious gang leader wanted for aggravated kidnapping, aggravated extortion, aggravated homicide, deprivation of liberty, involvement in terrorist organizations and conspiracy to murder

PHILADELPHIA — ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia successfully removed criminal alien Jose Alberto Zamora-Zamora, a 31-year-old citizen of El Salvador, to his home country on Aug. 15. Zamora-Zamora, who goes by the street name “Pirana,” is a notorious leader of the MS-13 Fulton Locos Salvatruchos clique and is listed among El Salvador’s top 100 most wanted gang members. His removal marks a critical victory in ICE’s ongoing mission to protect the American people from dangerous foreign fugitives.

“Jose Alberto Zamora-Zamora is a violent criminal and a leader of one of the world’s most dangerous gangs. His presence in our communities was a direct threat to public safety,” said ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director Brian McShane. “Let this serve as a clear warning: if you are a foreign fugitive who comes to the United States to evade justice, ERO will find you, arrest you, and remove you. ICE will not allow dangerous criminals to exploit our immigration system or endanger the American people.”

Zamora-Zamora is wanted in El Salvador for a number of violent crimes, including aggravated kidnapping, illicit association, attempted aggravated homicide, aggravated extortion, aggravated homicide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, involvement in terrorist organizations and conspiracy to murder. His criminal record and leadership role in one of the world’s most violent transnational criminal organizations posed a significant threat to public safety in the United States and abroad.

ERO Philadelphia apprehended Zamora-Zamora upon his release from Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood Low in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, where he had been serving a 24-month sentence for unlawful reentry into the U.S. Zamora-Zamora had previously been removed from the U.S. in December 2022 but illegally reentered the country at an unknown date and location. His repeated disregard for U.S. immigration laws underscores his dangerous lack of respect for the U.S. laws.

The removal operation required close collaboration between ERO Philadelphia, ERO New Orleans, the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL, and ICE’s Assistant Attaché for Removals in El Salvador.

ICE remains steadfast in its mission to identify, arrest, and remove individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. The agency will continue to leverage its resources and partnerships to uphold the integrity of U.S. immigration laws and protect the communities it serves.

Updated: 09/08/2025
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May 14, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes Ecuadorian citizen wanted for rape

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Philadelphia removed Elvis Isaac Aguirre Yanez, a citizen of Ecuador with a final order of removal, to Ecuador on May 6. Aguirre, a foreign fugitive, was turned over to authorities in Ecuador to face charges for rape.

“We will not allow sexual predators to escape justice by fleeing their home countries and seeking refuge in the United States,” said acting Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia Field Office Director Brian McShane. “The removal of criminal aliens like Aguirre sends a clear message: We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will remove you — ensuring you can no longer pose a threat to the American public.”

Authorities in Ecuador issued an arrest warrant for Aguirre for rape on Dec. 14, 2017.

On Nov. 13, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested Aguirre near Paso Del Norte, Texas, for entering the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official. On the same date, Border Patrol paroled him into the United States with instructions to report to ICE Philadelphia in Pittsburgh for processing.

On March 14, Aguirre reported to the ICE Philadelphia office. Officials determined he had an outstanding warrant in Ecuador for rape. On the same date, ICE Philadelphia arrested him and issued him a notice to appear, charging inadmissibility pursuant to Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. ICE detained him at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg.

On April 4, an immigration judge in Elizabeth, New Jersey, ordered Aguirre removed from the United States to Ecuador.

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

Learn more about ICE Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X at @EROPhiladelphia.

Updated: 06/13/2025
February 18, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes El Salvadorian wanted for aggravated homicide and terrorist organization

PHILADELPHIA – Immigration and Customs Enforcement Philadelphia removed Jonathan Stanley Garcia Vasquez, a citizen of El Salvador with a final order of removal, to El Salvador, Feb. 14. Garcia is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and terrorist organization.

“Today’s successful removal of Jonathan Stanley Garcia Vasquez highlights our unyielding commitment to the safety and security of the American people. By apprehending and deporting alien foreign fugitives, ICE excels in fulfilling its public safety and national security missions,” said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “ERO staff stationed in El Salvador, and their Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement taskforce, played a crucial role in this operation, demonstrating the strength of our international cooperation and reach. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our citizens from those who seek to harm them.”

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Garcia near Hidalgo, Texas, for entering the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official, June 9, 2016. The same day, USBP served him with a notice and order of expedited removal, charging inadmissibility.

On Jan. 27, 2017, an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review in El Paso, Texas, granted Garcia an immigration bond, and he was released, Feb. 6, 2017.

Authorities in El Salvador issued an arrest warrant for Garcia for aggravated homicide and terrorist organization, Aug. 7, 2018.

An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review in El Paso, Texas ordered Garcia removed from the United States to El Salvador in absentia, Oct. 30, 2018.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark arrested Garcia in West New York, New Jersey during a routine enforcement action and transferred him to ERO Philadelphia at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, for removal to El Salvador, Dec. 20, 2024. He remained in ICE custody throughout removal proceedings.

Updated: 08/19/2025
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July 29, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes illegal alien from Honduras wanted for femicide, attempted homicide

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia removed Olvin Mauricio Martinez Coto, a citizen of Honduras with a final order of removal, to Honduras July 23. Martinez Coto is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in Honduras for aggravated femicide, attempted homicide, and forcible entry to a home.

“Foreign fugitives will not find safe haven in the United States, we will make sure of it,” said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “This collaborative effort between multiple ERO Offices and federal partners epitomizes our efforts to keep the homeland safe and secure from foreign threats.”

Martinez Coto entered the U.S. at an unknown time and place without inspection by an immigration official. On July 18, 2007, the United States Border Patrol issued Martinez Coto an expedited removal order. On July 30, 2007, ERO San Antonio removed Martinez Coto to Honduras.

On Feb. 27, 2019, Border Patrol agents arrested Martinez Coto and reinstated his prior order of removal. On March 22, 2019, ERO San Antonio again removed Martinez Coto.

Martinez Coto again reentered the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official and at an unknown time and location.

On July 1, 2025, ERO Long Island Fugitive Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Martinez Coto in Westbury, New York.

ERO New York reinstated his prior order of removal.

Members of the public with information 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 Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X at @EROPhiladelphia.

Updated: 07/31/2025
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March 27, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes illegal alien wanted for murder to Ecuador

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Luis Gerardo Pelaez Llivichuzca, a citizen of Ecuador with a final order of removal wanted by his home country for murder, to Ecuador on March 25.

“The removal of Luis Gerardo Pelaez Llivichuzca reflects our stanch commitment to safeguarding public safety and enforcing the integrity of our immigration system,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “ICE remains resolute in its efforts to identify, apprehend, and remove individuals who pose a threat to our communities.

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Pelaez April 20, 2010, near Kots Kug, Arizona, for entering the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official.

The Border Patrol served Pelaez a notice and order of expedited removal on April 22, 2010, charging inadmissibility and transferred him to ICE at the Florence Service Processing Center in Florence, Arizona. ICE transferred Pelaez May 29, 2010, to the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana, and removed him from the U.S. to Ecuador June 4, 2010.

Pelaez then re-entered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location without inspection or parole by an immigration official.

Authorities in Ecuador issued an arrest warrant for murder for Pelaez May 31, 2018.

ICE arrested Pelaez during a targeted enforcement action in New York Feb. 11, and served him a notice of intent and decision to reinstate a prior order charging removability.

ICE transferred Pelaez to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, Feb. 12, where he remained pending removal proceedings.

Members of the public with information 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 Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X: @EROPhiladelphia

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 3, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes Mexican citizen wanted in Mexico for rape

PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Raymundo Rojas Bacilio, a citizen of Mexico with a final order of removal, to Mexico on Jan. 25. Rojas is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in Mexico for rape.

"The removal of the criminal alien Raymundo Rojas Bacilio, a sexual predator, underscores the critical importance of our enforcement actions. His repeated illegal entries into the United States and his heinous criminal acts posed a significant threat to the safety and security of our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “This removal demonstrates that we will relentlessly pursue and remove those who endanger the American public.”

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Rojas near Nogales, Arizona on Jan. 6, 2012, for entering the United States without admission or parole by an immigration official. The Border Patrol served him with a notice and order of expedited removal, charging inadmissibility, and removed him from the to Mexico.

Border Patrol agents arrested Rojas near Nogales, Arizona, on Jan. 12, 2012, for entering the U.S. without admission by an immigration official. Once again, the Border Patrol served him with a notice and order of expedited removal charging inadmissibility and removed Rojas to Mexico on Jan. 15, 2012.

Mexican authorities in Mexico issued an arrest warrant for Rojas for rape on May 31, 2013.

Rojas again entered the U.S. without admission or parole by an immigration official on an unknown date and at an unknown location.

The Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, New York convicted Rojas for forceable touching of the intimate parts of another person on Nov. 11, 2024. The court sentenced him to incarceration for 60 days, probation for 6 years, and required him to register as a sex offender.

ICE arrested Rojas in Corona, New York during a targeted enforcement action on Dec. 17, 2024, and served him a notice of intent to reinstate the prior order of removal. He remained in ICE custody pending removal.

Members of the public with information 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 Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X: @EROPhiladelphia.

Updated: 06/12/2025
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February 10, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes Mexican national wanted for domestic violence

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Serafin Leon Rojas, a citizen of Mexico with a final order of removal, to Mexico on Feb. 4. Leon is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in Mexico for domestic violence.

"The removal of Serafin Leon Rojas demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that criminal aliens face justice,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “By collaborating with our international law enforcement partners and enforcing immigration laws, we protect our communities and support our national security objectives."

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Leon near Laredo, Texas, for entering the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official and served him with a notice and order of expedited removal, charging inadmissibility. He was removed to Mexico on July 23, 2016.

Leon again entered the U.S. without admission or parole by an immigration official on an unknown date and at an unknown location.

The Philadelphia Police Department in Pennsylvania arrested Leon on August 7, 2024, for driving under the influence, and this charge remains pending.

ICE arrested Leon in Philadelphia on Dec. 12, 2024, during a routine enforcement action and served him with a notice of intent to reinstate the prior order from July 21, 2016, charging removability. Leon remained in ICE custody throughout removal proceedings.

Members of the public with information 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 Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X: @EROPhiladelphia.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 5, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes Salvadorian citizen wanted for aggravated rape of a minor

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Francisco Javier Melendez Torres, a citizen of El Salvador with a final order of removal, to El Salvador on Jan. 31. Melendez is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in El Salvador for aggravated rape of a minor and sexual harassment.

"The removal of Francisco Javier Melendez Torres, a dangerous criminal alien wanted for aggravated rape of a minor in El Salvador, highlights the dangers individuals like him pose to our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Philadelphia Field Office Director Brian McShane. “ICE is committed to ensuring that dangerous individuals like Melendez Torres do not find safe harbor in the United States and do not further threaten the American public.”

Melendez entered the U.S. without being admitted or paroled by an immigration officer.

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Melendez near Rio Grande, Texas, on Feb. 5, 1986, and served him with an order to show cause and notice of hearing, charging inadmissibility. The Border Patrol released Melendez from custody on an order of recognizance on the same date.

On Nov. 17, 1986, an immigration judge in Harlingen, Texas, granted Melendez voluntary departure until Dec. 29, 1986, with an alternate order of removal to El Salvador if he failed to depart the U.S. by the required date. Melendez failed to depart on time and the alternate order of removal took effect.

The Nassau County First District Court in Hempstead, New York, convicted Melendez of driving while impaired on Sept. 12, 1994, and sentenced him to incarceration for five days.

Melendez departed the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location and later returned without inspection or parole by an immigration official.

The Nassau County First District Court in Hempstead, New York convicted Melendez of disorderly conduct on April 30, 2014, and sentenced him to time served.

ICE arrested Melendez on Oct. 25, 2024, in Levittown, New York, during a targeted enforcement action and served him with a notice to appear, charging inadmissibility.

An immigration judge in Elizabeth, New Jersey, ordered Melendez removed to El Salvador on Dec. 12, 2024.

Members of the public with information 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 Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X: @EROPhiladelphia.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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June 10, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia removes Uzbek national wanted for fraud

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia removed Giyosiddin Ergashev, a citizen of Uzbekistan, who is wanted by law enforcement authorities in Uzbekistan for fraud on May 29.

"ICE is committed to safeguarding the American public and enhancing national security by removing those who evade justice in their home countries and try to find sanctuary in the U.S.,” said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. "The removal of Ergashev exemplifies our commitment to protect the homeland from foreign criminals."

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Ergashev near San Luis, Arizona, on Feb. 14, 2023, for entering the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official. Following his arrest, USBP served him a notice to appear, charging inadmissibility under Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He was subsequently transferred to ERO Phoenix and detained at the Florence Service Processing Center. On Feb. 21, 2023, Ergashev was released on an order of recognizance.

A warrant for Ergashev’s arrest was issued by a court in Uzbekistan on Nov. 29, 2023.

ERO New York arrested Ergashev during a targeted enforcement action on July 22, 2024, and transferred him to ERO Philadelphia, which detained him at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg.

On Feb. 18, an immigration judge ordered Ergashev’s removal to Uzbekistan.

Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, ERO turned Ergashev over to the appropriate authorities.

Members of the public with information 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 Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X: @EROPhiladelphia

Updated: 06/10/2025
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May 2, 2025Harrisburg, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Philadelphia supports large effort to remove more than 130 illegal aliens from central Asia

HARRISBURG, Pa. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Philadelphia removed 90 Central Asian illegal aliens April 29 as part of a greater mission that ultimately involved more than 130 aliens. The repatriation flight joined with the final group in New York and continued its trip to Uzbekistan on April 30. The aliens on board came from across the country.

“The Department of Homeland Security’s coordination with the government of Uzbekistan was instrumental in the successful removal of these individuals. Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, this operation not only reinforced our strong international partnerships but also strengthened national security,” said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “It is precisely this kind of leadership that enables ICE to continue to fulfill its mission of protecting the American public by ensuring that our immigration enforcement efforts uphold safety and security for communities across the country.”

According to a statement, the Department of Homeland Security partnered with the government of Uzbekistan to successfully deport over 100 illegal aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This operation, in which Uzbekistan fully funded the deportation of its own nationals, underscores the deep security cooperation between the U.S. and Uzbekistan and sets a standard for U.S. alliances.

As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality.

Since Jan. 20, ICE has significantly increased its immigration enforcement activities with additional support from other federal law enforcement and DOD partners. In an effort to keep the American people informed about the results of the agency’s efforts with only the most accurate information, ICE is compiling and validating the data and is working toward updating its enforcement statistics. Currently, statistics are three months in arrears and published on a quarterly basis.

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

Learn more about ICE Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X at @EROPhiladelphia.

Updated: 06/13/2025