ICE Arrests Over 100 Alleged Gang Members in Single Week

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended more than 100 suspected gang members who were in the country illegally during a single week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced. The operation, which took place between October 4 and 10, resulted in the arrest of 131 individuals affiliated with criminal gangs.

Among those arrested were 22 individuals linked to the violent MS-13 gang and 13 associated with the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, "In less than a week, the brave patriots of ICE have arrested more than 100 gang members across the country, including members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua." He added, "The best that America has to offer are on the frontlines every day to ensure that the worst of humanity cannot threaten or harm innocent Americans."

Mullin also praised former President Donald Trump's administration, stating that his leadership helped ICE dismantle gangs and cartels, making it difficult for them to operate in the United States and leading to the removal of their members.

Notable arrests from the operation include Gustavo Adolfo Flores-Ramirez, a Salvadoran national identified by DHS as an MS-13 member. Flores-Ramirez was arrested in Las Vegas and is wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide, aggravated femicide, rape of a minor or incapacitated person, illegal or irresponsible handling, carrying, or possession of firearms, illicit grouping, and crimes involving public peace. He had previously been arrested in the U.S. in September 2021 and deported to Mexico before re-entering the country illegally.

Another significant arrest involved Jose Luis Perez-Arrias, a Venezuelan national and alleged TdA member, apprehended in Tallahassee, Florida. DHS described Perez-Arrias as a suspected hitman for TdA. He reportedly entered the country illegally in October 2023 and was apprehended by Border Patrol agents before being released.

In Washington, D.C., Emerson Jossiel Calderon-Hernandez, a Salvadoran national and suspected MS-13 member, was arrested. Calderon-Hernandez first entered the country illegally in August 2012 and has faced charges including second-degree assault, attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and false imprisonment.

Additionally, a 14-year-old Venezuelan national, associated with the Los Piratas Gang, a faction of TdA, was arrested in Denver on charges including first-degree murder — criminal attempt with extreme indifference. The individual was reportedly carrying a handgun at the time of the arrest and faces further charges related to assault, kidnapping, extortion, and weapons offenses.

According to DHS figures, ICE has made 12,018 gang-related arrests since the start of a period referenced in the source as beginning in 2025.