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January 14, 2026Washington, DC, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

Under President Trump’s leadership, ICE has arrested members of some of the world’s most dangerous criminal gangs in Sanctuary Minnesota

The criminal illegal aliens — members of criminal gangs like MS-13, Paisas, Oriental Boys, MS-13 and more— have extensive rap sheets that include homicide, sexual assault and weapons crimes

WASHINGTON — ICE has arrested several gang members — many convicted of violent crimes — in Minnesota. These are the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens that ICE is targeting and who rioters, agitators, and sanctuary politicians like Tim Walz and Jacob Frey are trying to protect. Several of these dangerous criminal illegal alien gang members have been arrested during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

“We’ve arrested over 2,500 criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota since starting this operation with DHS,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “We’re picking up the worst of the worst offenders, and as these cases come in, we’re finding that a significant number of the aliens we arrest — in addition to having serious criminal histories in the U.S. and abroad — are part of dangerous gangs that terrorize communities all over the nation.”

See below for the list of dangerous criminal illegal alien gang members that ICE has taken off of Minneapolis streets:

Jose Miguel Reyes Jovel, a criminal illegal alien from El and known MS-13 gang member. He has been convicted of homicide, drug trafficking and selling amphetamine. He was also arrested for aggravated homicide in El Salvador in 2011.

Htun Min Pai, a criminal illegal alien from Burma and former member of the South Side Crips who’s been convicted of three counts of felony drug possession, one count of misdemeanor drug possession and fraud. He’s also been arrested for vehicle theft and DUI.

Alfredo Garcia-Arreola, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Paisas gang who’s been convicted of felony dangerous drug charges, misdemeanor assault, smuggling synthetic narcotics, other drug possession charges, possessing fraudulent immigration documents, and two counts of felony illegal reentry.

Luis Antonio Flores Atilano, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and member of the Paisas gang who’s been convicted of a weapon offense as an aggravated felony. He also has pending charges for carrying a prohibited weapon and amphetamine possession.

Junior Alvarez Vera, a criminal illegal alien from Cuba and active member of the Paisas gang who’s been convicted of a dangerous drug charge as an aggravated felony and selling cocaine.

Dionicio Carbajal Escobar, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Paisas gang. He’s been convicted of seven drug crimes — including cocaine possession — and trespassing, 13 counts of illegal reentry, possession of fraudulent immigration documents and trespassing. He also has pending charges for a felony weapon offense, shoplifting, property damage and dangerous drugs.

Jose Alberto Benitez Rodriguez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Paisas gang who’s been convicted of nine counts of burglary, three counts of assault, two counts of larceny, obstructing police, public order crimes, damage to property, unauthorized use of a vehicle, drug possession, possession of fraudulent immigration documents and seven counts of illegal reentry.

Hector Ivan Galicia Cuevas, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Paisas gang who’s been convicted of drug trafficking.

Fong Vang, a criminal illegal alien from Laos and member of the Purple Brothers gang who’s been convicted of two felony dangerous drug charges, DUI, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of amphetamine, rioting, weapon possession and damage to property. He has pending charges for an additional DUI.

Benevenuto Walter Lopez Alonzo, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala and active member of the Paisas gang who’s been convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material and illegal reentry. He was also charged with sexual exploitation of a child, which was dismissed, and has pending charges for sexual assault.

Aureliano Escorcia Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Paisas gang who’s been convicted of robbery, kidnapping, and two counts of illegal reentry. He also has pending charges for DUI.

Mong Cheng, a criminal illegal alien from Thailand and member of the Oriental Boys gang who’s been convicted of two counts of homicide, assault, vehicle theft, two counts of property damage, three counts of stolen property — one of which was a vehicle—and possession of narcotics equipment. He also has pending charges for arson of a residence.

Omar Alexander Arriaza, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and member of MS-13 who’s been convicted of offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

You 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 public safety mission on X at @ICEgov.

Updated: 01/14/2026