WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced it arrested five noncitizens previously convicted of felony offenses in California and Utah during enforcement operations conducted Monday.
According to ICE, those arrested had prior convictions involving child sexual abuse, sexual assault, drug trafficking, weapons offenses, false imprisonment, and driving under the influence.
ICE identified those arrested as:
- Candido Ramirez-Arcega, a Mexican citizen, who ICE said was previously convicted in Los Angeles County, California, of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
- Bruno Andres Anez-Hernandez, a Venezuelan citizen, who ICE said was convicted in Utah County, Utah, of sexual assault and lewd or lascivious acts involving a minor.
- Manuel Montes-Garcia, a Mexican citizen, who ICE said was convicted in California of false imprisonment, weapons offenses, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Humberto Lira-Ortega, a Mexican citizen, who ICE said was convicted in Salt Lake County, Utah, of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a dangerous weapon, and driving under the influence.
- Fernando Valtierra-Villasana, a Mexican citizen, who ICE said was convicted in Santa Cruz County, California, of possession or purchase of narcotics for sale.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement that ICE will continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of noncitizens who have been convicted of serious crimes.
The agency characterized the arrests as part of its ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
What This Means for Texans
None of the arrests announced in this release occurred in Texas. However, ICE regularly conducts similar enforcement operations across the country, including in Texas, where the agency focuses on locating noncitizens with prior criminal convictions who are subject to immigration enforcement.
Because each individual identified in this announcement had already been convicted in court, the underlying criminal offenses are matters of public record. ICE did not announce where the individuals are currently being held or when removal proceedings may occur.
The agency publishes summaries of enforcement actions involving convicted offenders on its public website.
Anyone who recognizes a potential victim of human trafficking or has information related to immigration crimes may contact the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.
