The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently announced on their official website the arrest of three undocumented Cuban nationals accused of committing sexual offenses. The apprehensions took place between February 24 and February 28, 2025, during a coordinated operation by ICE agents alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Attorney General's Office. This operation resulted in the arrest of nine criminal aliens in the Houston area.
The focus of this operation was on individuals who had either been charged with or convicted of sexual crimes and were eligible for deportation. Among those detained, one 55-year-old Cuban had a previous conviction for aggravated sexual assault. Another detainee, aged 61, had prior convictions for sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, kidnapping, and failing to register as a sex offender. The third Cuban, aged 71, was convicted for sexually assaulting a minor.
Chad Plantz, the special agent in charge of ICE's Homeland Security Investigations in Houston, expressed in a statement that "our local communities are safer as a direct result of this law enforcement effort." In addition to the Cuban nationals, the operation also led to the arrest of two Mexicans, one Salvadoran, two individuals from Vietnam, and one from the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE and Immigration Enforcement in Houston
What was the purpose of the ICE operation in Houston?
The operation aimed to apprehend individuals accused or convicted of sexual crimes who were also subject to deportation.
Who were involved in the ICE operation besides the agency itself?
In addition to ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Attorney General's Office were involved in the operation.
How many individuals were arrested during this operation?
A total of nine criminal aliens were arrested during the operation in the Houston area.