stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
June 12, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesNarcotics

ICE investigation nets 10-year sentence for leader of drug trafficking organization

Defendant distributed 1.5 kilograms of high-purity fentanyl mixed with xylazine

BOSTON — A Massachusetts man was sentenced June 2 in federal court in Boston after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation into his role leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization found he distributed fentanyl sourced from Latin America.

Jonathan Melendez Decatro, aka “Jacha,” 32, of Braintree, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In January 2025, Melendez Decatro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Melendez Decatro was indicted in June 2023.

In 2019, Melendez Decatro was identified as the leader of a large-scale DTO operating in the Brockton area, who sourced narcotics directly from Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. On two dates in 2021, packages intended for Melendez Decatro were intercepted by law enforcement and each found to contain a kilogram of cocaine. Additionally, on several dates in the spring of 2023, Melendez Decatro conspired with an individual who resided in the Dominican Republic to distribute 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl to another individual in Braintree. It was later determined that the purity of the fentanyl ranged from 54% to 79% and also contained xylazine. During of search of Melendez Decatro’s residence, over $11,000 in drug proceeds and clothing worn during the fentanyl transactions were recovered.

The investigation was led by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Strike Force with the Massachusetts State Police, the FBI Boston Division, and the DEA New England Field Division. Valuable assistance was provided by DEA Bogota, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Brockton Police.

Updated: 06/12/2025
March 12, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesNarcotics

ICE investigation nets 2 sentences for men’s roles in operating fentanyl drug mill

NEWARK, N.J. – An investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulted in the sentencings of a Pennsylvania man and a Dominican national for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute bulk quantities of fentanyl into northern New Jersey communities.

Emmanuel F. Almonte Mejia, 40, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 60 months, Feb. 27 and Hector Luiz De La Cruz Nunez, 32, was sentenced to 60 months, Feb. 5 by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Both men and co-conspirator, Loanny F. Duran Hiciano, 37, previously plead guilty for their roles in a Philadelphia area drug mill.

“Last month’s sentencings are a testament to HSI Newark’s commitment to protect the public from lethal drugs and the plague of the fentanyl crisis threatening the health of our communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “I’d like to thank ICE HSI Philadelphia and the New Jersey State Police for their support with this investigation. We stand together with our local law enforcement partners to combat the illegal distribution of narcotics that lead to overdoses and loss of life.”

According to the investigation, in February 2022, law enforcement learned the defendants were using a private residence in the Philadelphia area to operate a large-scale fentanyl production for redistribution. On March 8, 2022, law enforcement officers observed Nunez exit the mill carrying a large, weighted bag which he placed in a clandestine compartment hidden inside of his private vehicle. Nunez then departed in the vehicle and left the Philadelphia area before proceeding onward into New Jersey. Law enforcement agents stopped Nunez’s vehicle in Union, New Jersey and discovered four large, wrapped bricks each of which contained approximately 100 individual packages of fentanyl, for a total of 400 individual packages, which Nunez stated were destined to be distributed to individuals located in northern New Jersey.

In total, law enforcement recovered nearly six kilograms of fentanyl which was produced in the mill.

In addition to the prison term, Mejia and Nunez were sentenced to three years of supervised release. Hiciano is awaiting sentencing.

Updated: 03/12/2025
September 19, 2025Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHuman Rights Violators

ICE investigation results in former Liberian rebel general sentenced to over 4 years for concealing serious human rights violations on immigration forms

PHILADELPHIA — A former Liberian rebel general was sentenced Sept. 11 to more than four years in prison for concealing serious human rights violations to fraudulently obtain immigration status in the United States. Laye Sekou Camara, 47, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, entered the United States on an immigrant visa and lied on his immigration forms by failing to admit he was involved in Liberia’s civil war.

“As a leader in Liberia’s civil war, Mr. Camara facilitated atrocities against civilians in his own country — including the use of child soldiers,” said ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens. “By concealing his crimes in Liberia, Camara was able to obtain immigration benefits and use those documents to seek employment and a new life in the United States. HSI will not allow the U.S. to become a refuge for human rights violators or for individuals who secure lawful status through deception. We will continue to work with our federal, state and international partners to identify fraud, protect the integrity of the immigration system, and support the prosecutors that hold these offenders accountable.”

According to the investigation, in 2010, Camara obtained lawful permanent resident status by falsely stating on immigration forms that he had never participated in extrajudicial killings or other acts of violence; had never been involved with a paramilitary unit, rebel group, or guerilla group; and had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers.

HSI Philadelphia investigated the case with assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, and with support from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center.

Read more on Justice.gov.

Updated: 09/19/2025
October 9, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesNarcotics, Transnational Gangs

ICE investigation results in Treasury sanctions on Mexican business tied to Sinaloa Cartel

Sumilab’s large-scale precursor chemical production targeted in HSI Newark investigation

NEWARK, N.J. — Following an ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark investigation with multiple federal partners into illicit drug supply, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned eight Mexican individuals and 12 Mexico-based companies affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel’s Los Chapitos faction Oct. 6. The group has been responsible for a significant portion of the deadly drugs trafficked into the United States.

Sumilab, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican chemical and laboratory equipment company, was one of the main targets in an HSI Newark-led criminal investigation. OFAC designated Sumilab in sanctions for its involvement in providing and shipping precursor chemicals for and to Sinaloa Cartel members and associates.

“Our investigation and the resulting treasury sanctions demonstrate our unwavering commitment to dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel, a violent criminal enterprise responsible for trafficking fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other deadly drugs into the United States,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. “By targeting the cartel’s financial networks, HSI and our law enforcement partners strike at the very core of their operations, disrupting their capacity to harm communities and underscoring that those who threaten our national security will be held fully accountable.”

Conspirators running Sumilab were sanctioned for their involvement in logistics like finances, material, technological support, goods or services necessary for Sinaloa Cartel members and associates to traffic fentanyl or its precursor chemicals.

Additionally, other conspirators operating a network of chemical, laboratory equipment and agriculture-related companies were sanctioned by the Treasury.

Read more on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s site.

Updated: 10/09/2025
July 31, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesOperational

ICE issues over 1,000 tentative job offers to shore up agency’s enforcement efforts

Agency bolstering its ranks of federal law enforcement officers and agents to protect the American public

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is proud to announce that it has issued over 1,000 tentative job offers since July 4, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing recruitment efforts. This achievement comes as ICE, under President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s strong leadership, intensifies its mission to protect American communities and uphold the rule of law.

"We’re excited to welcome patriots who want to serve their country and make a difference in people’s daily lives," said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “People who have received tentative offers will qualify for the incredible benefits we’re offering under this unprecedented initiative — including $50,000 bonuses and student loan forgiveness.”

ICE extended first-round job offers to several former ICE officers and agents who retired under the previous administration.

“People were frustrated under the Biden administration,” said Lyons. “They couldn’t do the jobs they signed up to do. Now, people are lining up to work with us because they know our officers and agents are allowed to enforce immigration law fairly and across the board, and that’s a cause people really believe in.”

For media inquiries about ICE activities, operations or policies, contact ICE’s Office of Public Affairs at ICEMedia@ICE.dhs.gov.

Updated: 07/31/2025
March 4, 2025Laredo, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

ICE Laredo, federal partner investigation results in the arrest of a Texas woman for attempting to smuggle 9-year-old twins through Laredo

LAREDO, Texas – A Texas woman was charged with conspiring to transport, attempting to transport and transporting two illegal alien minors illegally in the United States for financial gain following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Laredo Office. ICE worked this case in coordination with U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector.

Jovanna Netzay Diaz, 31, from Dallas, is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver in Dallas. She will then be expected in Laredo federal court shortly thereafter.

A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment Feb. 19 which was unsealed upon her arrest Feb. 27.

According to court documents, the charges allege that on Oct. 26, 2024, Diaz arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint in Laredo. Upon initial inspection, authorities allegedly observed a blanket moving between the second and third row of the vehicle. Law enforcement soon found one minor underneath the blanket and another concealed on the floorboard of the vehicle’s front passenger seat, according to the charges. The minors were allegedly determined to be nine-year-old twins, who were nationals and citizens of Mexico with no familial connection to Diaz.

If convicted, Diaz faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a $250,000 maximum possible fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Lopez from the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Updated: 03/04/2025
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May 16, 2025Laredo, TX, United StatesWorksite Enforcement

ICE Laredo, federal partners arrest 31 illegal aliens during a 1-day targeted worksite enforcement operation

LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, conducted a targeted worksite enforcement operation at a business and two construction sites in South Texas. The one-day operation, aimed at bolstering public safety, resulted in the arrest of 31 individuals for immigration-related violations.

During the operation, ICE Homeland Security Investigations conducted records checks and found that several of those arrested had prior criminal convictions. Offenses included aggravated criminal sexual assault, bodily harm, possession of a controlled substance, probation violations, evading arrest, transporting noncitizens, domestic violence/strangulation, terroristic threats against family or household members, possession of prohibited weapons in a weapons-free zone, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and evading arrest or detention in the United States.

The individuals arrested were citizens of Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador, and illegally present in the United States. All have been transferred to ICE custody and are pending removal proceedings.

Federal law requires employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals they hire, using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. ICE uses the I-9 inspection program to promote compliance with these requirements, as part of a broader strategy to address and deter the employment of unauthorized workers. These inspections are among the federal government’s most effective tools to enforce U.S. employment laws.

HSI’s worksite enforcement strategy includes leveraging the agency’s full range of investigative capabilities. Worksite investigations often uncover additional criminal activity such as alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, and substandard wages or working conditions.

This investigation was conducted by HSI with support from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Border Patrol; U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations; CBP Air and Marine Operations; the Webb County Sheriff’s Office; the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office; and the Laredo Police Department.

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

For more information about HSI San Antonio and its public safety efforts in Central and South Texas, follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.

Updated: 06/13/2025
June 17, 2025Laredo, TX, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE Laredo investigation results in the guilty plea of a Mexican illegal alien admitting to transporting child sexual abuse material across state lines to Mexico

LAREDO, Texas - A illegal alien from Mexico pleaded guilty Tuesday to transportation of child pornography following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Raul Velasco-Leon, 39, plead guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material on June 17.

“This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Laredo Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”

According to court documents, on March 12, Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary. They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age. The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.

Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.

Judge will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Velasco-Leon remains in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez from the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case.

Updated: 06/17/2025
February 6, 2025Laredo, TX, United StatesTransnational Gangs

ICE Laredo, law enforcement partners arrest a member of the Mexican Mafia

LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with Federal Bureau of Investigations and Texas Department of Public Safety arrested a member of the Mexican Mafia.

The 42-year-old Mexican male was arrested on Feb. 6, 2025, for illegal re-entry after deportation. At the time of his arrest, authorities discovered that the individual was in possession of a fraudulent immigration card and narcotics for personal use.

"We announce the arrest of a dangerous gang member, achieved through the joint efforts of ICE HSI and local law enforcement partners. This collaboration highlights our unwavering commitment to community safety and justice. We will continue working tirelessly to combat gang-related crime and protect our citizens,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge, Craig Larrabee. Larrabee added, “Transnational gang members pose a significant threat to our communities by engaging in a variety of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crimes. We are committed to dismantling these criminal organizations through strategic operations, intelligence-driven investigations, and close cooperation with international, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. By leveraging our collective resources and expertise, our goal is to disrupt the operations of these dangerous gangs and bring their members to justice.”

The arrested individual remains in federal custody.

Individuals can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form to report suspicious criminal activity.

Updated: 02/14/2025
September 30, 2025Las Cruces, NM, United StatesChild Exploitation, Narcotics

ICE Las Cruces arrests a criminal alien fugitive while serving an arrest warrant

Fugitive had criminal history including charges of sexual penetration of a child, narcotics trafficking and domestic violence of a family member

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — ICE Homeland Security Investigations arrested criminal alien and fugitive Jesus Luis Cuevas-Pacheco, 47, of Mexico, after receiving information that he was allegedly threatening family members with violence and engaging in the sale of narcotics.

On Sept. 27, while serving a warrant for reentry after deportation, Cuevas fled from agents in a vehicle, then on foot, before barricading himself inside a residence in Vado, New Mexico. After repeated commands to surrender were ignored, agents breached the front door and safely apprehended him without incident.

“The arrest of this criminal alien sends a strong message: HSI will not tolerate those who prey on the vulnerable and jeopardize the safety of our communities. HSI’s mission is clear: to protect the innocent, uphold the law, and remove dangerous individuals from our streets,” said HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “This fugitive’s history of violent crimes and his attempt to evade arrest demonstrate the critical need for our work. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our agents, this individual is now in custody and no longer poses a threat to our community.”

Cuevas first entered the United States sometime before 2003 at an unknown location. On March 13, 2003, he was encountered in Dallas, where he was issued an order of removal. Two days later, he was removed through the Laredo Port of Entry in Texas. Between 1994 and 2022, he was arrested multiple times for criminal sexual penetration of a child, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and battery. On April 8, 2002, he was convicted of narcotics trafficking and served a one-year prison term.

Cuevas is currently facing criminal charges for illegal reentry after deportation. If convicted, he could face substantial penalties, including imprisonment, followed by removal from the U.S.

HSI worked in close collaboration with federal and local law enforcement to locate and apprehend Cuevas.

This arrest underscores HSI’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, removing dangerous individuals from communities, and safeguarding the nation’s borders.

Updated: 09/30/2025