ICE arrests 1,361 criminal aliens in Houston sweep

In June 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increased its operations in Houston, Texas, resulting in the arrest of 1,361 illegal immigrants with criminal histories. This operation included individuals convicted of serious offenses such as murder, sexual assault, and drug trafficking. A notable conviction among those arrested was for hijacking an airplane, highlighting the range of threats posed by these individuals to public safety. ICE officials emphasized that these arrests were part of their ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and integrity within the immigration system. The arrests represented a significant rise from the previous month's operations, where 1,249 arrests were made. Officials attributed this increase to ongoing initiatives designed to target dangerous criminal aliens. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Director Gabriel Martinez expressed commitment to removing individuals who pose threats to communities, stating that misinformation aimed to undermine these efforts. The statistics showed that 32 of the arrested were convicted of child sex offenses and nine for homicide, while many others were linked to violent gangs and cartels. As ICE continues its operations, the focus remains on securing local neighborhoods from criminal aliens. Various gang members were among those apprehended, representing organizations identified by the U.S. Department of State as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This aligns with ICE's mission to maintain public safety and protect communities against drug-related violence and crime. With these efforts, ICE aims to address the growing concern surrounding public safety in the wake of rising immigration challenges and the complexities of managing illegal immigration. The broader implications of these operations may shape future policies and discussions surrounding illegal immigration and law enforcement's role in public safety.