The Department of Homeland Security reported Monday’s arrests as part of Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative targeting violent criminals and illegal aliens. Some of those apprehended had been previously released from Minnesota jails.
In the operation, federal authorities captured individuals convicted of kidnapping, child rape, assault on law enforcement officers with firearms, and other serious offenses. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “Our law enforcement officers are risking their lives to arrest these thugs — some RELEASED from Minnesota jails — and are saving countless American lives by getting these criminals out of our country.”
Among those arrested were:
Bee Yang, an illegal alien from Thailand who was issued a final order of removal in 2015 after being convicted of first-degree kidnapping, assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, felony larceny, and larceny of a motor vehicle.
Wilson Johny Encalada Molina, an illegal alien from Ecuador who was issued a final order of removal in 2023 for third-degree rape of a child under 17 years old, malicious punishment of a child, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Ian Mwangi Irungu, from Kenya, previously convicted of selling heroin and dangerous drugs.
Melvin Yobany Hernandez Espana, from Honduras, convicted of assault.
Sergio Quintero Romero, an illegal alien from Mexico with a final order of removal dated 2012. He had been apprehended three times for illegal entry into the U.S. and was accused of attempting to defraud the immigration system by presenting a fraudulent lawful permanent resident card.
Oliverio Otoniel Francisco-Esteban, an illegal alien from Mexico issued a final order of removal in 2015. He has been removed from the U.S. five times and was convicted of three counts of driving under the influence of liquor, possessing fraudulent immigration documents, illegal entry, and re-entry. He currently has an outstanding warrant in Ohio for failure to appear.
The DHS also reported that 70% of all ICE arrests nationwide involve illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S.
