ICE Houston’s Recent Arrests of Child Sex Offenders

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Houston has disclosed new details about the arrest of illegal immigrant child sex offenders in the region over the past six months. The ICE Houston Field Office has apprehended 214 illegal migrants who have been charged or convicted of sex offenses involving minors. This figure surpasses the total number of similar arrests made during the entire 2024 fiscal year, which stood at 211, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Details of Arrested Individuals

Among the 214 individuals arrested, 179 had final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge, and 141 have already been deported. These arrests highlight ICE’s ongoing efforts to target and remove individuals deemed a threat to public safety. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the importance of these actions, stating that ICE’s operations are crucial in preventing such offenders from preying on children in the U.S.

Notable Cases and Deportations

Several notable cases include Gabriel Julio Velazquez Lopez, a 25-year-old from Mexico, who was convicted of sexual assault of a child and assault with intent to rape. Despite entering the U.S. illegally four times since 2016, he was arrested on April 8th and deported on April 10, 2025. Another case involves Roberto Antonio Caballero-Garcia from El Salvador, who was arrested for three counts of sexual assault of a child in Dallas County and deported on May 5, 2025.

ICE’s Commitment to Public Safety

The arrests underscore ICE’s commitment to removing dangerous individuals from communities. Other cases include Carlos Alfredo Lopez Espinal and Meliton Gonzalez, both from El Salvador and Mexico respectively, who were convicted of sexual offenses against minors and subsequently deported after serving their sentences.

Conclusion

These operations by ICE Houston reflect a broader strategy under the Trump Administration to enhance public safety by targeting illegal immigrants involved in serious crimes. The message from DHS is clear: those who commit such offenses will be pursued and removed from the country.