Category: Security Intelligence

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ICE Houston Arrests more than 350 Gang Members in First 6 Months of Trump Administration

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

In six months of Trump, ICE Houston arrested more than three times the amount of, or a 375% increase in, gang members than in all of 2021

WASHINGTON – In the Houston, TX area alone U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 356 criminal illegal alien gang members during the first six months of the Trump administration. In the first six months of the Biden administration, just 75 gang members were arrested in the Houston, TX area. To put these figures into perspective, it’s a 375% increase in arrests of gang members under the Trump administration in this area. In 2021, the ICE Houston field office arrested 115 gang members during the entire year. 

These 356 gang members were collectively convicted of 1,685 criminal offenses including murder, child sex crimes, sex trafficking, arson, and theft.  

In total, ICE arrested members of more than 40 different gangs including 39 MS-13 gang members, 25 Tren de Aragua gang members, six Latin Kings gang members, 159 Paisas gang members, and 26 Tango Blast gang members. 

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, these illegal alien gang members are off America’s streets. Across the country, ICE law enforcement is targeting these vicious gangs that rape, maim, and murder Americans for sport,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to dismantle transnational criminal terrorist gangs. In Houston area alone, we have already arrested more than three times as many gang members as the Biden administration arrested in Houston in all of 2021. The days of unchecked gang violence are OVER.”  

Some of the criminal illegal alien gang members arrested in Houston are below.

On May 8, 2025, ICE arrest Herson Barrera Vasquez, a Latin Kings gang member. His criminal history includes seven assault convictions, fraud, damaging property, drug trafficking, larceny, multiple DWIs, and disorderly conduct. ICE deported him on May 19, 2025. That was his FOURTH deportation.

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On April 4, 2025, ICE arrested Olvin Giovani Lara Lario, a Paisas gang member. His criminal history includes robbery, larceny, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault of a police officer. He was previously deported to Honduras SIX times.

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On July 15, 2025, ICE arrested Jesus Duran-Morales, a Paisas gang member. ICE deported him on July 17, 2025. This was his FIFTEENTH deportation.

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On June 30, 2025, ICE arrested Miguel Torres-Chavez, a Paisas gang member. Since 2003, he’s racked up convictions for drug possession, kidnapping, multiple drug trafficking offenses, illegal reentry, and assault. ICE deported him on July 1, 2025. It was his SIXTH deportation.

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On February 12, 2025, ICE arrested Jose Antonio Carbajal-Soto, a Pasias gang member.  Carbajal-Soto has been convicted of invasion of privacy, illegal reentry, battery and sexual assault. ICE deported him on March 4, 2025. This was his FOURTH removal.

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INTERPOL event shares tips for staying safe online

Source: Interpol (news and events)

First-ever Youth Cybercrime Awareness Webinar highlights online safety, critical thinking, and responsible digital behavior.

Over 800 young people, parents and educators from across Asia and the Pacific participated in an inaugural Youth Cybercrime Awareness Webinar organized by INTERPOL. 

Designed to promote cyber hygiene and responsible online behaviour, the interactive webinar was the first of a series aimed at empowering young people to safely navigate the digital world where they are increasingly exposed to a multitude of online risks such as scams, cyberbullying, misinformation and identity theft.

In Singapore, a study on online dangers found that six in 10 young people are exposed to unsolicited harmful content including graphic violence, nudity and gender-based violence.
In Vietnam, authorities recently issued a warning on ‘virtual kidnappings’ – sophisticated online scams where criminals coerce young people into isolation while simultaneously extorting money from their families.

“Cyber awareness isn’t just important — it’s essential. Knowing how to protect yourself and others online is a skill, just like learning how to swim or cross the street safely,” said Edmund Goh from INTERPOL’s Asia and South Pacific Cybercrime Operation Desk which organized the event. 

Unique cyber threats

Participants benefitted from insights from a panel of experts representing academia, tech firms and social enterprises. 

“The online world you engage with every day is the same one cybercriminals operate in,” shared Helena Huang, Associate Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. 

With cybercriminals specifically targeting younger demographics with offers of scholarships, gaming rewards and jobs, it has become essential for young people to think critically and carefully assess the motives of individuals they interact with online. 

Amplifying the challenge are rapid technological advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI), enabling criminals to deploy increasingly realistic deepfakes and other synthetic media on a mass scale, especially with under-developed detection and authentication tools. 

“Studies have repeatedly shown that the average person is bad at identifying AI,” shared Toni Friedman, Assistant Director of Digital Technology, Policy, and Innovation at The Asia Foundation. “Misplaced confidence can lead to increased vulnerability”.

Responsible online behaviour

In addition to raising awareness on the threats posed by cybercriminals, the panel urged participants to prioritize online dignity and digital wellbeing. This is as young people are more likely to integrate their personal lives into the online sphere compared to other age groups.

“Your digital identity is a reflection of who you are. It affects your online reputation and how others see you,” noted Nina Bual, co-founder of Cyberlit, a social enterprise focused on online safety education.

She called on young people to be mindful of their actions online as they can have real-life consequences, particularly when it comes to future employment opportunities. “What you post will be online forever. Your digital footprint never fades away,” she said.

Sohaib Khan, TikTok’s Regional Lead on Law Enforcement Outreach in South and Central Asia encouraged participants to actively report incidents of harassment and inappropriate content encountered on the social media platform. He also showcased online safety tools parents could employ to moderate social media feeds.

Cautionary tale

One of the most compelling presentations came from Ngo Minh Hieu, a former hacker who shared his journey from being a ‘blackhat’ perpetrating cybercrime to a “whitehat” engaged in strengthening online security systems.

Hieu’s story was a cautionary tale of becoming involved in hacking at a young age, eventually operating sophisticated identity theft networks that resulted in significant financial losses for victims and a 13-year prison sentence in the United States.

During his time in prison, however, Hieu underwent a personal transformation which ultimately led him to use his skills for good.

Following his release, he joined law enforcement authorities in Vietnam, helping to arrest more than 200 cybercriminals in newfound career.

Throughout the webinar, participants took part in interactive quizzes and shared their own thoughts and experiences.

The session concluded with a call to action, urging young people to take responsibility for their online safety and to be mindful of the potential risks and consequences of their online activities.

To protect themselves online, young people can adopt the following steps:

  • Look out for red flags: Be wary of offers that seem ‘too good to be true’, requests for money or passwords, and sharing of suspicious links or attachments.
  • Use strong passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for each online account and consider using a password manager to keep them secure.
  • Use privacy settings: Control the amount of personal information others can see by employing enhanced privacy settings on social media and other online platforms.
  • Keep software up to date: Regularly update operating systems, browsers, and other software to ensure the latest security patches and features.
  • Be mindful of online interactions: Never share personal or financial information with strangers.
  • Monitor online activity: Regularly monitor online accounts and report suspicious activities as soon as possible.
  • Use two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of verification to online accounts in addition to passwords.
  • Back up data: Regularly back up important data to prevent losses in case of a cyberattacks.
  • Stay informed: Remain updated on the latest online threats and scams.

Tips for managing digital identities include:

  • Curate a positive online reputation: Be mindful of what you post online, and make sure it reflects positively on you.
  • Delete harmful posts: Remove any online content that could be harmful or embarrassing to you or others.
  • Think before you post: Take a moment to consider the potential consequences of what you’re about to post online.
  • Follow people who inspire you: Be mindful of who you follow online and ensure they are sources of inspiration and support.
  • Take regular breaks: Time away from online activities can reduce the effects of stress and cyberbullying.
  • Report or block harm: If you see someone being bullied or harassed online, report it to the platform and block the person responsible.
  • Stand up for what’s right: Be an ally to those who are being bullied or marginalized online.

The INTERPOL Youth Cybercrime Awareness Webinar is an initiative of the INTERPOL Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations on Cybercrime (ASPJOC) project funded by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom.

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ICE was Hard at Work Over the Weekend Arresting the Worst of the Worst

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON — On August 9 and 10, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, including those convicted of rape, hit-and-run, domestic assault, and attempted homicide.

“While Americans were enjoying their weekend, ICE was hard at work arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens that pose significant public safety threats,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Some of the dirtbags arrested over the weekend include rapists, attempted murderers, and violent abusers. If you are a patriotic American and are tired of seeing your community pillaged by illegal alien crime, apply to join ICE law enforcement and help us remove gang members, pedophiles, terrorists, murderers, and more violent thugs. JOIN.ICE.GOV.”

Some of the worst of the worst ICE arrests on August 9 and 10 include:

20-year-old Zavier Elizandro Madrid-Alvarado, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, convicted for assault of a family member in Houston.

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45-year-old Angel Manuel Marquez-Guachichulca, a criminal illegal alien from Ecuador, convicted for rape in Dayton, Ohio.

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24-year-old Johan Orozco-Henao, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia, convicted for aggravated assault in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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40-year-old Pablo Rogel-Ortiz, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for burglary of a vehicle in Austin, Texas.

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37-year-old Adrian Flores-Jimenez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for hit-and-run causing injury in Butte, California.

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61-year-old Zi Ming Lu, a criminal illegal alien from China, convicted for forging, counterfeiting trademarks, service marks, and copyrighted designs in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

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40-year-old Maynor Garcia-Romero, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, convicted for domestic assault and battery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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41-year-old Jose Manuel Lopez-Arroyo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for shooting at inhabited dwelling or vehicle discharge of a firearm in San Fernando, California.

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35-year-old Reynaldo Ventura-Cruz, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, with multiple convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) in Hillsborough County, Florida.

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55-year-old Margarito Carmona-Ramos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for attempted homicide and aggravated battery in Cook County, Illinois.

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DHS encourages Americans – of any age – with a commitment to public safety, national service, and upholding the rule of law to apply today to jumpstart a fulfilling career in federal law enforcement with ICE: join.ice.gov.

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U.S. Marshals, Partner Agencies Capture Alleged Killer

Source: US Marshals Service

Billings, MT – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Montana, along with multiple law enforcement agencies, arrested near the search area in Anaconda at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday, the man suspected in the killing of four people at an Anaconda bar Aug. 1.

Michael Paul Brown, 45, is being held at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center.

Brown is alleged to have entered a bar located across the street from his residence and fatally shot four individuals in what law enforcement has described as an unprovoked attack. Brown then fled the scene and returned to his home, where he remained until law enforcement arrived. Upon their arrival, Brown exited his home and fled in a vehicle.

The USMS, FBI and the Montana Department of Justice led the coordinated manhunt for Michael Brown.  The search efforts involved hundreds of personnel and over 40 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the search. 

“When law enforcement of all levels communicate, cooperate, and coordinate we are all able to achieve these types of results” said U.S. Marshal Craig Anderson.  “The citizens we serve deserve and expect nothing less from us. This was an unprecedented effort and it speaks volumes to the partnerships we all rely on.”

The Montana Violent Offender Task Force was established in January 2005 with a stated mission to apprehend persons wanted for felony crimes with a focus on violent offenders. Task force operations began in the Billings office and have since expanded to include the offices in Missoula and Great Falls. Task force officers cleared over 22,520 felony cases in the last twenty years averaging 3 arrests per day. 

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Congressman Beyer Meets with Illegal MS-13 and 18th Street Gang Members and Other Criminal Illegal Aliens at Farmville Detention Center

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

When will Congressman Beyer meet with the American victims of these illegal aliens’ violent crimes?

WASHINGTON – During his August 8 visit to the Farmville Detention Center, Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) toured the Farmville Detention Center in Prince Edward County, Virginia, where he personally requested to meet with criminal illegal alien detainees including an 18th Street gang member, drug trafficker, and repeat offender of driving under the influence. Additionally, he met with an MS-13 gang member.   

Following his meeting with criminal illegal aliens, Beyer claimed to the media “maybe as many as three quarters” of the detainees “only have a civil reason for being there,” citing conversations during his tour. In reality, 66% of detainees housed at Farmville Detention Center have been convicted or charged with crimes in the United States. This figure does not include those with criminal charges in their home countries, confirmed gang affiliations, or suspected terrorists. 

“Congressman Beyer personally requested to meet with an 18th Street gang member, drug trafficker, and repeat DUI offender who are in our country illegally,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “He continues to do the bidding of dangerous criminal illegal aliens that endanger his own constituents. When will Congressman Beyer meet with the American victims of these illegal aliens’ violent crimes?”  

Criminal illegal aliens Congressman Beyer met with included:  

Carlos Amaya, an MS-13 gang member. His criminal history includes convictions for four counts of assault and battery and three counts of gang participation.

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Ricardo Hernandez Mendez, an 18th Street gang member. His criminal history includes convictions for two counts of assault and battery, burglary to commit armed larceny, armed petit larceny, abduction by force, intimidation or deception, misdemeanor assault, parental kidnapping, and simple assault.

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Denis Hernandez Medina, a criminal illegal alien convicted of possession and distribution of drugs.

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Kevin Mark Cash, a criminal illegal alien convicted of Driving Under the Influence and two counts of reckless driving.

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Historic: Trump Administration Commissions First Arctic Icebreaker in Quarter of a Century

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

America has been an Arctic nation since we purchased Alaska over 150 years ago. Under President Trump, we are finally acting like it. 

WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar attended the commissioning of the polar icebreaker USCGC Storis in Juneau, Alaska, marking a crucial step in President Donald Trump’s and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s mission to transform the U.S. Coast Guard into a more agile, capable fighting force ready for the challenges of the 21st century.

“The commissioning of Storis marks a new beginning for the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Troy Edgar. “President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill has recapitalized USCG with $25 billion – the largest single investment in USCG. The new investment will lead to a USCG that is better equipped to protect our national interests, support our maritime communities and stand alongside our allies.”

The Storis is America’s first polar icebreaker in 25 years. More than that, it is a symbol of our country’s renewed commitment to defend our Homeland in the Arctic under President Trump. As a medium polar icebreaker, Storis expands the U.S. operational presence in the Arctic and will support Coast Guard missions while awaiting the delivery of the new Polar Security Cutter class.

“USCGC Storis is a major win for the American people,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard. “The commissioning of USCGC Storis immediately strengthens our ability to control, secure, and defend the U.S. border around Alaska and maritime approaches in the Arctic. Storis is the first step of a historic investment in the Coast Guard to add critical capacity to our polar icebreaker fleet to protect U.S. sovereignty and counter malign influence throughout the Arctic.” 

Icebreakers are vital for America’s presence in the Arctic, an area increasingly contested by America’s adversaries due to its growing potential for oil and gas exploration, critical minerals, trade route traffic, fishing, and tourism. 

Now, thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and Force Design 2028 – a massive injection of $25 billion is coming for the U.S. Coast Guard to protect this region, including: 

  • $4.3 Billion for Polar Security Cutters, extending U.S. reach in the Arctic,
  • $3.5 Billion for three Arctic Security Cutters,
  • $816 Million for light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters,
  • & $300 Million for USCGC homeporting in Juneau

The Storis, formerly the motor vessel Aiviq, was acquired on December 20, 2024, and subsequently renamed after modifications to enhance its communication and defense capabilities. Storis is manned by a hybrid crew of Coast Guard and civilian mariners. This marks the second vessel in Coast Guard history to bear the name Storis, with the original “Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast” having served 64 years of icebreaking operations in the Arctic.

President Trump’s plans for the U.S. Coast Guard extend far beyond the arctic frontier. From the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, to the Gulf of America, the Rio Grande and missions around the world, DHS is supplying the Coast Guard with personnel and investment in ships, aircraft, shore infrastructure, and mission critical technology to Make America Safe Again.

RELATED: 

Secretary Noem Protects American Taxpayers Against Wasteful Contracts While Revolutionizing Coast Guard for the 21st Century

DHS Bolsters America’s Supply Chains, Critical Infrastructure, and Domestic Industry Through Arctic ICE Pact

Coast Guard Seizes Over 240,000 Pounds of Cocaine, Doubling Amount Interdicted Over Previous Year

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While Americans Were Enjoying Their Friday Nights, ICE Law Enforcement Was Arresting More Worst of the Worst Criminal Illegal Aliens

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

ICE law enforcement is now facing an 1,000% increase in assaults on them as they remove criminal illegal aliens from American streets

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is highlighting more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 8, 2025. Some of the worst of worst arrested included a pedophile and criminal aliens with attempted murder and manslaughter convictions.  

 “Our brave ICE law enforcement are now facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them as they risk their lives to arrest the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. These acts of violence are fueled by sanctuary politicians’ rhetoric vilifying our law enforcement,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “We will not and have not let this violence stop us or slow us down. Everyday our law enforcement continues to enforce the law and arrest the most depraved criminals including pedophiles, terrorists, murderers, gang members, and sexual predators. JOIN.ICE.GOV.” 

Below are just a few examples of some of the criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICE on Friday:  

ICE Buffalo arrested Albert Newton, a 50-year-old illegal alien from Jamaica. His criminal history includes a conviction for attempted murder in Queens, NY. 

 ICE Buffalo arrested Milton Xavier Carchipulla-Yanzaguano, a 42-year-old illegal alien from Ecuador. His criminal history includes a conviction for leaving the scene of an accident an injury resulting in death in Queens, NY. 

   

ICE Houston arrested Gilberto Zapapta-Ortiz, a 61-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes a conviction for manslaughter in McLennan County, TX.  

 

ICE Newark arrested Francisco Azono-Benitez, a 34-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes a conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a minor in Camden, NJ. 

 

ICE Dallas arrested Brayan Gonzalez, a 22-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes a conviction for assault causing bodily injury in Post, TX.  

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Fatal Hit-and-Run in PA: ICE Nabs Illegal Alien from Guatemala Who is Suspected of Killing a 61-year-old Pedestrian

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Biden administration used prosecutorial discretion to allow this illegal alien to remain in the country 

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Mario Guzman-Vasquez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, is in custody following a deadly hit-and-run crash killing a 61-year-old victim in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.  

According to local law enforcement, Guzman-Vasquez is the prime suspect in a hit and run that occurred on August 3, 2025. Guzman-Vasquez is suspected of striking a male pedestrian with his vehicle and fleeing the scene, leaving the dead victim. Upon discovering Guzman-Vasquez was an illegal alien, local police contacted ICE. ICE arrested him and took him into custody on August 4.  

  

“Mario Guzman-Vasquez had no right to be in this country in the first place. Now, a family has lost a loved one. Guzman-Vasque callously fled the scene of a deadly crash, leaving the victim he killed,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Sadly, the Biden Administration released this criminal illegal alien into American communities. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is restoring law and order and putting America first by removing illegal aliens from American communities.”  

Guzman-Vasquez illegally entered the United States on November 6, 2016. The Biden Administration used prosecutorial discretion to dismiss his immigration case and allow this illegal alien to remain indefinitely in the U.S.