A weeklong immigration enforcement operation in the Houston area resulted in the arrest of 646 undocumented immigrants, including 543 with criminal records and seven identified gang members. The operation, conducted from February 23 to March 2, was a joint effort between ICE and multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety and border enforcement.
Authorities executed 71 criminal arrest warrants and detained 543 undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of crimes. Among them, 140 had been charged with or convicted of aggravated felonies or violent offenses, including homicide, aggravated assault, and domestic violence. An additional 34 faced sex-related charges, including crimes against minors such as aggravated sexual assault, possession of child pornography, and rape.
Firearm-related offenses accounted for 38 arrests, with charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm. Another 52 individuals were charged with drug-related crimes, such as drug trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. Additionally, 51 had property crime convictions, while 93 faced DUI charges.
Bret Bradford, Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, stated that many of those arrested had entered the U.S. illegally and later committed violent crimes, creating fear among law-abiding residents. He emphasized that this operation sent a strong message to criminal organizations that law enforcement is united in its efforts to eliminate these threats.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, Texas Department of Public Safety, Diplomatic Security Service, and U.S. Marshals Service supported the operation.
