Houston, TX — A repeat immigration violator with a violent criminal history was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Houston on April 25 following his release from a Texas state prison, the agency announced Tuesday.
David Gonzalez-Gallegos, a 40-year-old Mexican national, has illegally entered the United States at least three times and has been convicted of arson, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and driving under the influence. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers took him into custody at the Huntsville Unit state correctional facility and transported him to the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, where he remains pending removal.
Gonzalez was first encountered by Border Patrol near El Paso on May 29, 2006, and immediately returned to Mexico. He reentered illegally and was arrested in 2013 for arson targeting a habitation or place of worship. After serving his sentence, he was deported again in 2015.
Key points:
- David Gonzalez-Gallegos arrested by ICE April 25 following release from Texas prison
- Has illegally entered the U.S. three times; convictions include arson and aggravated assault
- Currently detained at Montgomery Processing Center pending removal
Long criminal record tied to multiple unlawful reentries
Gonzalez returned to the U.S. a third time before being arrested again in 2022 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Dallas County. He was convicted in May 2023 and served three years in prison. ICE officers encountered him again upon his release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Field Office Director Bret Bradford credited support from law enforcement and the administration’s immigration priorities for enabling the arrest and pending removal of Gonzalez.
ICE has not released a date for Gonzalez’s removal.
ICE highlights ongoing efforts to target violent immigration violators
Gonzalez’s arrest is part of ICE’s continuing efforts to identify and remove repeat immigration offenders with serious criminal histories. Officials said his case highlights the agency’s focus on public safety and collaboration with federal, state, and local partners.
For ongoing updates on enforcement activity in Texas, ICE encourages the public to follow @EROHouston on X.