Trump's ICE Busts 10,000 Gang Members In Huge Crackdown

Trump's ICE Busts 10,000 Gang Members In Huge Crackdown

Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has passed a major milestone after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced it has arrested more than 10,000 suspected gang members since the president returned to the White House.

The Department of Homeland Security hailed the figure as evidence that Trump's renewed focus on immigration enforcement is delivering results, with officials promising the pace of arrests will only increase under new powers granted by the recently enacted Secure America Act.

'Making America Safe Again'

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin credited the president's tough immigration policies for the surge in arrests, arguing many of those now in custody should never have been allowed into the country.

"Under President Trump's leadership, ICE has arrested more than 10,000 gang members," Mullin said.

He accused the previous administration of allowing dangerous criminals to enter the United States, claiming many had been responsible for murders, assaults, robberies and drug trafficking before being detained.

The administration says the Secure America Act has significantly expanded ICE's ability to identify, arrest and deport violent offenders.

MS-13 Member Marks 10,000th Arrest

Officials revealed the arrest that pushed the total beyond the 10,000 mark was Javier Hernandez Rosas, an alleged MS-13 gang member from Mexico.

According to Homeland Security, Rosas has previous convictions for cocaine possession and had also been arrested on abduction and weapons charges.

Federal officials said his arrest symbolised the administration's determination to target organised criminal networks operating inside the United States.

Nationwide Crackdown

The arrests have stretched far beyond America's southern border, with ICE operations taking place across multiple states.

In Virginia, agents arrested Edwin Antonio Hernandez Hernandez, who officials say admitted responsibility for five murders in El Salvador.

The same state also saw the capture of Josue Saul Garcia-Lopez, wanted internationally for robbery and extortion, along with Ismael Enrique Mendoza Flores, known as "El Calaco", who is accused of aggravated homicide.

Elsewhere, ICE agents arrested Danny Granados-Garcia in Connecticut over the alleged murder of a pastor in El Salvador, while Gerson Emir Cuadra Soto, an alleged MS-13 member wanted for four murders in Honduras, was detained in Nebraska.

Tren de Aragua Also Targeted

The operation has also focused heavily on members of the Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua (TdA).

Among those arrested were Jesus Ruben Lopez Gonzalez, detained in Oregon on racketeering conspiracy charges, and Yorvis Michel Carrascal Campo, arrested in Colorado over alleged murder and drug trafficking offences.

Another suspected TdA associate, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, has already pleaded guilty to illegal firearms possession and conspiracy to destroy evidence.

Crackdown Set To Expand

The Trump administration says the 10,000 arrests represent only the beginning of a broader campaign against transnational gangs operating inside the United States.

Homeland Security officials insist the Secure America Act has "turbocharged" ICE's enforcement capabilities and say federal agents will continue expanding operations in the months ahead as the administration pursues what it describes as its mission of "Making America Safe Again."

SOURCE