In a significant enforcement operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended 1,361 individuals in the Houston area throughout June, many of whom are facing charges or have prior convictions for serious criminal offenses after illegally entering the United States. Among those arrested, the figures reveal alarming criminal backgrounds, including 32 individuals convicted of child sex offenses, nine linked to homicide-related crimes, and 16 identified as members of transnational gangs or drug cartels.
Gabriel Martinez, the acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Houston, emphasized the agency’s commitment to public safety. “Despite attempts by some to undermine our mission by spreading false and malicious rumors, the brave men and women of ICE continue to work tirelessly around the clock targeting dangerous criminal aliens to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system,” Martinez stated. He added that the efforts made last month reflect the dedication to creating safer communities where families can thrive without fear of criminal activity.
Highlighted among the apprehended individuals were several who posed significant risks to public safety:
- Adermis Wilson-Gonzalez, 56, from Cuba, was arrested on June 29. He has a criminal history dating back to 2003 when he was convicted of hijacking an airplane traveling to Key West, Florida.
- Arnulfo Olivares Cervantes, a 47-year-old former Mexicles gang member from Mexico, was arrested on June 13 for illegally entering the U.S. multiple times and has convictions for drug trafficking and attempted murder.
- Luis Pablo Vasquez-Estolano, 29, also from Mexico and previously deported six times, was arrested on June 10. He has a history of convictions for homicide, aggravated robbery, and drug possession.
- Jose Meza, a 40-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, was apprehended on June 24. He has been previously convicted of sexual assault against a minor.
- Javier Escobar Gonzalez, 51, from Mexico, was arrested on June 23 with convictions for sexual indecency with a minor and other serious offenses.
These arrests were part of ICE’s routine immigration enforcement activities in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies throughout Southeast Texas. The primary goal remains to enhance public safety, national security, and border security.
For ongoing updates and information about ICE’s mission and activities, follow them on X at @EROHouston.
— ERO Houston (@EROHouston) July 14, 2025
