Federal immigration officials say several convicted criminal offenders were removed from the United States during a recent enforcement operation targeting individuals with serious criminal records.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that it continued removing what the agency described as the “worst of the worst” criminal illegal immigrants during operations conducted through the week ending June 12.
According to ICE, nearly 900,000 illegal immigrants have been removed or returned from the United States since January 20, 2025.
“ICE protects the American public by removing as many dangerous and violent criminals as we possibly can, using every resource at our disposal,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles.
“DHS has removed or returned nearly 900,000 illegal aliens since Jan. 20, 2025. ICE removal flights, including those conducted in partnership with the Department of War, help ensure these criminal illegal aliens are out of our communities and cannot threaten our families, friends or neighbors,” Charles said.
Murder Conviction Among Those Removed
ICE identified several individuals removed from the United States who had been convicted of serious violent crimes.
Among them was Jose Miguel Chavarria-Cruz, a citizen of Mexico who ICE said was convicted of second-degree murder and aggravated robbery. Authorities also identified Chavarria-Cruz as an active member of the Surenos 13 gang.
According to ICE, Chavarria-Cruz entered the United States illegally in 1996.
Child Sexual Assault Convictions
Federal officials also highlighted multiple removals involving individuals convicted of crimes against children.
Francis Polycarpe, a citizen of the Bahamas, was removed after being convicted in Nebraska of attempted sexual assault of a child. ICE said Polycarpe entered the United States in 2001 on a B-2 visitor visa.
Another individual removed was Pedro Antonio Luna of El Salvador. ICE said Luna was convicted of sexually assaulting a minor relative.
According to federal authorities, Luna entered the United States illegally in 1998 and later received Temporary Protected Status in 2002. That protection was terminated in 2007. An immigration judge ordered his removal in April.
Drug Trafficking and Rape Convictions
ICE also announced the removal of Nestor Hugo Gomez Garcia, a citizen of Colombia convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Garcia had been paroled into the United States in 2022 for criminal prosecution, according to federal authorities.
Luis Campusano, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was also removed after convictions for sexual abuse and rape. An immigration judge ordered his removal in November.
Enforcement Efforts Continue
ICE officials said approximately 70 percent of individuals arrested by the agency have criminal histories.
The agency stated that all individuals removed from the country receive due process through the immigration court system before deportation proceedings are finalized.
Federal immigration enforcement remains a major priority of the Trump administration, which has expanded deportation operations and increased cooperation between immigration authorities and other federal agencies.
ICE said it will continue targeting individuals convicted of violent crimes, gang activity, sexual offenses, and major drug trafficking offenses.
Key Points
• ICE announced the removal of several criminal illegal immigrants convicted of murder, rape, child sexual assault, and drug trafficking offenses.
• ICE says nearly 900,000 illegal immigrants have been removed or returned from the United States since January 2025.
• Among those removed was a Surenos 13 gang member convicted of second-degree murder and aggravated robbery.
• Federal officials highlighted multiple removals involving individuals convicted of sexual crimes against children.
• ICE reports that approximately 70% of individuals arrested by the agency have criminal histories.
ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, deportation, criminal illegal immigrants, Jose Miguel Chavarria-Cruz, Francis Polycarpe, Pedro Antonio Luna, Luis Campusano, Nestor Hugo Gomez Garcia, DHS, immigration enforcement, federal deportations