Category: Homeland Security

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Colorado Rapid Response Network helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a convicted child rapist and criminal illegal alien, evade ICE law enforcement

WASHINGTON – After an anti-ICE activist group helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a convicted child rapist, evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning the public to be on the lookout for this criminal illegal alien.  

On June 20, 2025, ICE attempted to arrest Leon-Deras and members of the Colorado Rapid Response Network alerted Leon-Deras of ICE’s presence and facilitated his escape. The Colorado Rapid Response Network is known for protesting with bullhorns to warn illegal aliens and shouting profanities at ICE law enforcement officers attempting to arrest dangerous criminal illegal aliens.  

 Leon-Deras remains at large and is a public safety threat.  

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Criminal illegal alien: Jose Reyes Leon-Deras  

“The Colorado Rapid Response Network and its 760 members disrupt ICE operations targeting dangerous criminal illegal aliens. In this case, they helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, an international fugitive and convicted child rapist, flee law enforcement— this dangerous monster is on the loose on American streets and could harm more innocent children,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “To report sightings of Leon-Deras, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) — help President Trump, Secretary Noem, and our brave law enforcement remove this public safety threat from our communities and make America safe again.”

If you know or suspect Leon-Deras’ whereabouts, do not approach. If seen, anonymous tips may be reported on this form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Removing illegal aliens from Panama saves U.S. taxpayer dollars and helps stop the flow of illegal aliens to the U.S.

PANAMA – Today, Secretary Noem observed a repatriation flight of illegal aliens from Panama and Colombia. Deportees included aliens convicted of drug trafficking, sex crimes and aggravated robbery. 

This deportation program creates drastic savings for U.S. taxpayers— costing about half as much in U.S. taxpayer dollars to remove an illegal alien from Panama compared to the removal process from the U.S. 

Secretary Noem extended a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Panama, originally signed on July 1, 2024. This extension allows continued U.S. funding—including an additional $7 million commitment—for the Panamanian government’s deportation flights and supports Panama’s efforts to curb illegal immigration across the continent, including southbound migration from the United States. Under this understanding, 2,044 migrants without legal grounds to remain in Panama were deported to 23 countries between August 2024 and June 2025. 

This partnership underscores the importance of our partner countries to help keep violent criminal illegal aliens from entering the U.S. 

The agreement, along with President Trump’s strong leadership, has contributed to the closure of the Darién region to illegal migratory flows into Panama en route to the United States. Under President Trump, migration through Panama’s Darien Gap, a dangerous pathway illegal aliens use to get to the U.S. southern border, is down 99%.

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Secretary Noem observed a repatriation flight of illegal aliens from Panama and Colombia 

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These flights send a clear message to the world: If you come to either the U.S. or Panama illegally, you will be caught, arrested, and removed 

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This partnership underscores the importance of our partner countries to help remove violent criminal illegal aliens from the U.S. and save U.S. taxpayer dollars 

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Secretary Noem met with Panamanian President Mulino and other government officials where they discussed ways the U.S. and Panama can continue our partnership to halt illegal immigration 

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Apprehensions and gotaways are almost 50% lower since operations in LA started 

WASHINGTON – Since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began removing worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from sanctuary city Los Angeles, apprehensions and gotaways at the U.S. Southern border plummeted nearly 50% from May to June. Sanctuary cities are no longer a safe haven, and we have made the message clear: We will hunt down criminal illegal aliens and remove them from our communities.

On June 6, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started an operation removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Despite the rhetoric from politicians, riots, and wide-scale assaults on enforcement officers, DHS is continuing to make Los Angeles and the Southern border more secure.  

The data speaks for itself: From June 1 -22 of this year, apprehensions totaled 5,414 while just one month ago in May, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions were 9,577. Since the beginning of June, gotaways totaled only 986, compared to 2,123 in May. This is nearly a 50% decrease since operations started. 

The difference in these stats from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration is staggering. From February 1 to June 22 of this year, apprehensions totaled only 37,518, while just one year ago nearly 600,000 apprehensions were made during the same time. Gotaways showed a similar decrease with 11,867 between February and June in 2025, compared to over 94,007 during the same time in 2024.

“Secretary Noem is delivering on President Trump’s promise to secure the border by removing murders, pedophiles, and drug traffickers from Los Angeles,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “In less than a month since we started LA enforcement operations, apprehensions and gotaways at the Southern border halved. The world is hearing our message: If you come here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you. We will not be deterred by the rioters and politicians in our mission to secure America and its border. Migrants are turning back because they know the reality is they will ultimately leave in handcuffs.” 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Noem appointed new members to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) and announced the date of the council’s first meeting.

Formed on March 19, 2002, the HSAC leverages the experience, expertise, and national and global connections of its membership to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations.

This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience from homeland security experts committed to fulfilling President Trump’s agenda.

The Homeland Security Advisory Council will hold its first meeting at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C. on July 2nd, 2025.

Appointed Members:

• Henry McMaster, Governor, South Carolina, Chair
• Joseph Gruters, State Senator, Florida, Vice Chair
• Marc Andreessen, Co-Founder and General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz
• David Chesnoff, Attorney, Chesnoff and Schonfeld.
• Christopher “Chris” Cox, Founder, Bikers for Trump
• Mark Dannels, Cochise County Sheriff, Arizona
• Richard “Bo” Dietl, CEO and Founder, Beau Dietl & Associates
• Matthew Flynn, Attorney, Steptoe. Former Deputy Assistant to the President. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
• Rudolph W. Giuliani, Former Mayor, New York City
• Harvey C. Jewett IV, Retired President of Super 8 Motels Inc., Retired President and Chief Operating Officer, Rivett Group LLC., President Great Plains Education Foundation, Inc.
• Steve Kirby, Founding Partner, Bluestem Capital Company
• Mark Levin, Broadcast News Analyst, The Mark Levin Show
• Corey Lewandowski, Chief Advisor to the Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
• Nicholas Luna, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation, The White House
• George Lund, CEO and Chairman, Torch Hill Investment Partners
• Edward McMullen Jr, Senior Policy Advisor, Adams and Reese LLP. Former Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
• Georgette Mosbacher, Co-Chair, Three Seas Programming, Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, Former Ambassador to Poland
• James “Jim” Pallotta, Managing Partner and Founder, The Raptor Group.
• Omar Qudrat, CEO, Maden, Founder, Muslim Coalition for America, Major, U.S. Army Reserve
• Stephen Sloan, Global Head of Private Market Secondaries, Portfolio Advisors and Co-Founder, Cogent Partners
• Robert “Bob” Smith, Former U.S. Senator, New Hampshire
• Alexei Woltornist, Co-Founder and President, ATHOS. Former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security

To learn more about the Homeland Security Advisory Council, including its previous taskings, reports, and recommendations, visit DHS.gov/Homeland-Security-Advisory-Council.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Criminal illegal aliens arrested include an individual with admitted ties to Hezbollah, a known or suspected terrorist, and an alleged former sniper for the Iranian army 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 11 Iranian nationals illegally in the United States over the weekend. ICE also arrested a U.S. citizen who threatened to kill ICE law enforcement while harboring an illegal alien from Iran. The weekend arrests reflect the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) commitment to keeping known and suspected terrorists out of American communities.  

“Under Secretary Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through Biden’s fraudulent parole programs or otherwise,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out—and we are. We don’t wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland.”  

• On June 22, ICE Atlanta arrested Ribvar Karimi in Locust, Alabama. Karimi reportedly served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021 and at the time of his arrest, in his possession, he had an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card. He entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa, which is reserved for aliens engaged to be married to American citizens, in October 2024 under the Biden administration. Karimi never adjusted his status — a legal requirement — and is removable from the United States. He’s currently in ICE custody, where he’ll remain pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 22, ICE Houston officials arrested Behzad Sepehrian Bahary Nejad, an alien with a final order of removal, who was carrying a loaded 9mm pistol at the time of his arrest. Sepehrian entered the U.S. in Houston on Dec. 9, 2016, on an F-1 student visa. On Aug. 19, 2017, Harris County police arrested him for assaulting a family member by impeding breathing; his wife told the local assistant district attorney that Sepehrian was threatening her and obtained a restraining order against him. She also alleged he was threatening her family in Iran. On July 23, 2018, the University of Texas terminated Sepehrian’s status after he was placed on academic suspension. An immigration judge ordered him removed on Oct. 10, 2019, after he was released on an immigration bond; he filed a motion to reopen his case, which a Department of Justice immigration judge denied. Sepehrian is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.  

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• Also in Houston, ICE arrested Hamid Reza Bayat, an Iranian national an immigration judge ordered removed nearly 20 years ago, on Aug. 4, 2005. Twice convicted of drug crimes and once convicted of driving on a suspended license, Bayat served time before receiving his final order of removal. He’s now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.  

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• On June 22, in Tempe — a Phoenix, Arizona suburb — ICE agents arrested Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, an Iranian citizen with a final order of removal convicted of threatening a law enforcement officer and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Eidivand entered the U.S. in San Ysidro, California, in June 2012. In August 2013, an immigration judge granted him a voluntary departure, which allows an alien to leave the country without a formal ICE removal, but he never left. Eidivand will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• At the same residence, officials arrested Linet Vartaniann, a United States citizen, for threatening a law enforcement officer and harboring Eidivand, an illegal alien. Vartaniann threatened to open fire on ICE officials if they entered her home, then said she would go outside and “shoot ICE officers in the head.” ICE officials obtained a search warrant for the residence and arrested the pair, who are now charged with federal crimes.

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• On June 22, in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, ICE officers and agents arrested Yousef Mehridehno, an Iranian national and former lawful permanent resident. The U.S. government terminated Mehridehno’s residency in October 2017 after determining he lied on his original visa application and committed potential marriage fraud. In February, Mehridehno was listed as a known or suspected terrorist, and he’s now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 22, in Colorado Springs, ICE officials arrested Mahmoud Shafiei and Mehrdad Mehdipour — two illegally present Iranian nationals living together. Immigration officials first encountered Shafiei in Seattle, Washington, in January 1981; a judge ordered him removed in January 1987. His criminal history includes state and federal convictions for drug crimes and arrests for assault and child abuse. U.S. Border Patrol encountered Mehdipour in June 2023 during the Biden administration near Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and processed him as an expedited removal. Both men are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 22, in St. Paul, Minnesota, ICE arrested Mehran Makari Saheli, a 56-year-old Iranian national. He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Minneapolis, where he was sentenced to 15 months in prison. He is a former member of off the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with admitted connections to Hezbollah. An immigration judge ordered him removed June 28, 2022, under the Biden administration, but he illegally remained in the U.S. Saheli is now in ICE custody pending removal. 

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• On June 22, ICE San Francisco arrested Bahman Alizadeh Asfestani, a 62-year-old Iranian national, with a criminal history that includes a 1994 conviction for petty theft and a 1995 conviction of possession of a controlled substance for sale. Asfestani was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for the drug conviction and is now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

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• On June 23, ICE Buffalo arrested Mohammad Rafikian, a 65-year-old Iranian national convicted of grand larceny, schemes to defraud, criminal impersonation and practicing as an attorney.  
• On the same date, ICE San Diego arrested Arkavan Babk Moirokorli, a 57-year-old Iranian national convicted of forging an official seal. Both are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. 

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secured a legal victory in its efforts to remove the worst-of-the-worst illegal aliens. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 order, staying a District Court’s order pending appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  

With this decision, DHS can finally exercise its undisputed authority to deport criminal illegal aliens–who are not wanted in their home country–to third countries that have agreed to accept them. This order comes after an activist judge caused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the eight barbaric criminals to be stranded in Djibouti.   

Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:

“The Supreme Court ruling is a victory for the safety and security of the American people. The Biden Administration allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood our country, and now, the Trump Administration can exercise its undisputed authority to remove these criminal illegal aliens and clean up this national security nightmare.

“If these activist judges had their way, aliens who are so uniquely barbaric that their own countries won’t take them back, including convicted murderers, child rapists and drug traffickers, would walk free on American streets.

“DHS can now execute its lawful authority and remove illegal aliens to a country willing to accept them.

“Fire up the deportation planes.”

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

There are currently no specific credible threats against the homeland 

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding a heightened threat environment across the United States due to the direct involvement of the United States in the ongoing conflict between the nations of Israel and Iran. There are currently no specific credible threats against the homeland.   

“It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crimes.”

This NTAS Bulletin will expire on September 22, 2025.  The public should report any suspicious activity or threats of violence to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or a local Fusion Center.  

Read the NTAS Bulletin here.   

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

This criminal illegal alien faces federal charges including attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer with infliction of bodily injury

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest of Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a criminal illegal alien and Tren de Aragua gang member who violently attacked a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent and an FBI special agent.  

“This Venezuelan national is a criminal illegal alien and Tren de Aragua gang member who violently attacked an ICE and FBI agent and has been charged with attempted murder,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Our ICE agents are facing a 500% increase surge in assaults against them. Our brave law enforcement puts their lives on the line every day to arrest terrorists, gang members, and other violent criminals that the previous administration released into American communities. Secretary Noem has been clear: anyone who assaults an ICE law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”  

On June 18, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Omaha led an operation to arrest Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a known Tren de Aragua terrorist, in Bellevue, Nebraska. As ICE and their law enforcement partners attempted to take him into custody, Hurtado-Cariaco launched a brutal and premeditated assault on an ICE HSI special agent.  

During the attack, the illegal alien threw the ICE agent to the ground, slammed her head into the pavement, ripped off her body armor, and made repeated and physical violent contact. The agent sustained serious injuries to her head and arm and was immediately transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for treatment. The agent has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Hurtado-Cariaco also assaulted an FBI agent during the incident.  

Following the attack, Hurtado-Cariaco fled the scene but was apprehended approximately an hour later in the immediate area by ICE and coordinated law enforcement teams. 

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The Department of Justice charged Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco—an illegal alien from Venezuela—with attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer with infliction of bodily injury.  

Hurtado-Cariaco entered the U.S. illegally in 2023—and Border Patrol removed him. In 2024—under the Biden administration—he re-entered the U.S. illegally and was released into the country with a notice to appear. 

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

DHS releases new data highlighting the dangers brave federal law enforcement faces while protecting and serving American communities

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released new statistics on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facing a 500% increase in assaults against them while carrying out immigration enforcement operations.

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“The Department of Homeland Security released new data revealing ICE law enforcement is now facing a 500% increase in assaults against them while carrying out enforcement operations. Just this week, an ICE officer was dragged 50 yards by a car while arresting an illegal alien sex offender,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Every day the men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens. Make no mistake, Democrat politicians like Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Wu of Boston, Governor Tim Walz, and Mayor Bass of Los Angeles are contributing to the surge in assaults of our ICE officers through their repeated vilification and demonization of ICE. From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi Gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is despicable. This violence against ICE must end.”

Disturbingly, in recent days, ICE officers’ family members have been doxed and targeted as well. Those who dox our ICE agents will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Secretary Noem’s message is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning on the rise in Chinese-manufactured signal jammers to the United States, which pose a threat to public safety and civilian aviation. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen a roughly 830% increase in seizures since 2021, despite Chinese companies’ attempts to subvert inspection.

Signal jammers can be used to disrupt a range of radio frequency channels, and pose a threat to emergency response, law enforcement and critical infrastructure.

• South American illegal aliens jam calls to local police during home invasions or bank robberies in Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia.
• In February 2025, law enforcement in Texas recovered a signal jammer while arresting an illegal alien from Chile.
• In December 2024, a criminal used a jammer as law enforcement responded to a burglary.

“Signal jammers have been used by illegal aliens across the country to jam communications during police operations, bank robberies, burglaries, and other dangerous crimes. Under the vigilance of CBP, national security begins at America’s ports. As Chinese manufacturers attempt to smuggle signal jammers, we will continue to seize these tools of terrorism. President Trump and Secretary Noem will always protect America’s critical infrastructure and law enforcement.” – DHS Spokesperson.

U.S. federal law already prohibits the private import, operation, marketing, or sale of any signal jamming equipment that interferes with law enforcement communications, GPS, or radar. Chinese counterparts could be amenable to cooperation because signal jammers are banned in Beijing for public use.

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