In the first half of 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Houston arrested 356 criminal illegal alien gang members, marking a 375% increase compared to the same period under the Biden administration.
This surge in arrests is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety by targeting transnational criminal gangs.
Significant Increase in Arrests
The Trump administration’s focus on immigration enforcement has led to a substantial rise in arrests of criminal gang members by ICE in Houston.
In the first six months of 2025, ICE apprehended 356 gang members, significantly higher than the 75 arrests made during the same timeframe under the Biden administration.
This increase also surpasses total arrests for all of 2021, which saw only 115 gang members detained. The data highlights a shift towards more aggressive immigration enforcement policies aimed at removing dangerous individuals from U.S. communities.
Criminal Offenses and Gang Affiliations
The arrested gang members were convicted of 1,685 criminal offenses, including serious crimes such as murder, child sex crimes, sex trafficking, arson, and theft.
These individuals were affiliated with over 40 gangs, including notorious groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
ICE’s efforts target these transnational gangs to improve public safety and national security by removing violent criminals from American streets.
The agency emphasizes its commitment to dismantling these organizations through strategic law enforcement operations.
International Cooperation Challenges
- The presence of transnational gangs underscores ongoing challenges in U.S.-Latin America security cooperation.
- Deportations may affect diplomatic relations with countries like Honduras that receive deported gang members.
- Cooperation on criminal justice and reintegration is essential for maintaining bilateral relations.
- Enhanced public safety could lead to improved economic stability in affected regions.
Statements from Officials
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised the enforcement efforts under President Trump and Secretary Noem:
Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, these illegal alien gang members are off America’s streets.
Gabriel Martinez, acting field office director for ICE Houston, highlighted the dedication of ICE officers:
Despite attempts by some to undermine the courageous work being done by our officers…the brave men and women of ICE continue to put their lives on the line every day.
Additional Reading
Moving Forward
The increased arrest rates under Trump’s administration reflect a strategic shift towards aggressive immigration enforcement aimed at enhancing national security.
As deportations rise, it remains crucial for U.S.-Latin America relations to adapt through cooperation on crime prevention and reintegration strategies while balancing domestic safety concerns with international diplomacy.
Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, AOL News Article, and ABC News Report.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
