Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have successfully carried out Operation Angel’s Honor, apprehending over 1,030 illegal aliens in a two-week operation authorized by the Laken Riley Act. This initiative was launched in memory of Laken Riley, a nursing student who tragically lost her life to an illegal immigrant last year.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commended the efforts of ICE officers in removing these criminal elements from American streets, stating that justice would be served for their heinous actions. The Laken Riley Act, named after the victim, mandates the arrest of illegal immigrants caught committing crimes such as theft and assault, ensuring that individuals with a criminal record are not free to roam the streets.
One such criminal, José Antonio Ibarra, the murderer of Laken Riley, had a history of offenses including shoplifting and acts of violence. The Laken Riley Act was the first bill signed by President Trump during his second term, aiming to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
During Operation Angel’s Honor, ICE apprehended illegal immigrants who had committed serious crimes such as rape, assault with intent to harm a law enforcement officer, and indecent liberties with a child. ICE Director Todd Lyons emphasized the impact of immigrant violence on victims and their families, highlighting the agency’s mission to protect Americans from illegal alien crime.
Among the individuals arrested during the operation were Alejandro Ojose-Asto, Carlos Gomez-Diaz, Jose Jimenez-Munoz, Fernando Manzanares-Cruz, Jamie Escobar-Mirales, Javier Diaz-Cabrera, Braulio Rosas-Ayala, and Brandon Barrientos-Garcia. These individuals had a history of offenses ranging from rape to assault and battery, underscoring the importance of removing criminal elements from society.
In addition to targeting criminal illegal immigrants, the Laken Riley Act empowers states to take action against the federal government if it fails to adhere to detention and removal requirements. However, the Trump administration has faced challenges from states with sanctuary policies that hinder cooperation with immigration officials.
Operation Angel’s Honor serves as a reminder of the critical role that ICE plays in ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law. By enforcing the provisions of the Laken Riley Act, ICE continues to protect communities from the scourge of criminal illegal immigrants, honoring the memory of individuals like Laken Riley who have tragically lost their lives to senseless acts of violence.
