U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Houston have arrested two criminal aliens who had previously been deported after convictions for child sex offenses and other violent crimes.
The arrests, conducted on January 29 in Conroe and Cleveland, Texas, underscore ongoing efforts to remove high-risk offenders from U.S. communities.
Apprehended Individuals and Criminal History
David Lopez Javier (Honduras)
- Age: 45
- Previous Deportations: 2013, 2016
- Criminal Convictions:
- Lewd and lascivious battery on a child
- Cocaine trafficking and possession
- Illegal reentry
- Two larceny offenses
Efrain Gomez Cac (Guatemala)
- Age: 30
- Previous Deportation: 2018
- Criminal Convictions:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Driving while intoxicated
Both individuals had illegally reentered the U.S. despite prior removals, highlighting repeated violations of immigration law.
ICE’s Mission: Ensuring Public Safety
ICE officials emphasized the significance of these arrests in protecting communities.
“Criminal aliens who repeatedly violate our nation’s immigration laws only to commit sex offenses against innocent minors, traffic deadly narcotics, or commit violent offenses are quickly finding out that the law enforcement community is united and more determined than ever,”
said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford.
His sentiments were echoed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz, who reaffirmed their commitment to removing threats from local communities.
Repeat Offender Statistics and Immigration Enforcement Impact
Efforts to remove criminal aliens have been a priority for ICE, particularly those who have reentered after deportation. The table below outlines recent ICE enforcement statistics in Texas:
| Category | 2023 Statistics | 2022 Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal aliens arrested | 9,800 | 8,500 |
| Convicted sex offenders | 2,100 | 1,900 |
| Aggravated felons removed | 4,300 | 3,900 |
| Total removals | 72,000 | 59,000 |
Key Takeaways:
- ICE has increased arrests of criminal aliens in Texas.
- Reentry after deportation remains a significant issue.
Strengthening Immigration Enforcement
The arrests of Lopez and Gomez reinforce ICE’s resolve to uphold immigration laws and remove individuals who pose risks to public safety.
By leveraging partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, ICE continues to disrupt criminal activity linked to illegal reentry.
For more updates on immigration enforcement efforts, visit the official ICE website.
Sources: THX News & US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
