In a targeted operation conducted in partnership with Fox News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended eight migrants in suburban Maryland. Among those arrested were four individuals convicted of child molestation and one convicted of murder. This operation underscores ICE's focus on deporting individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.

One of the individuals taken into custody had a history of sexual abuse of a minor and multiple instances of indecent exposure. Another, originally from the Philippines, was previously convicted of molesting a 10-year-old girl. ICE confirmed that the individual convicted of murder held permanent resident status in the U.S.

Matthew Elliston, Director of the Baltimore ICE Field Office, emphasized the agency's focus on apprehending high-priority targets, stating, "The people we are out for are the worst of the worst. It's not the average person who is in the country illegally. If we are targeting you, there is a reason." The operation successfully apprehended all eight individuals initially targeted. These individuals are now in custody and are awaiting immigration hearings, facing potential deportation.

Data obtained by the House Homeland Security Committee reveals a significant number of criminal illegal immigrants within the U.S. According to the data, at least 650,000 individuals with criminal records are on ICE's non-detained docket, meaning they are not currently in detention. This includes a disturbing number of violent criminals – 14,944 convicted murderers and over 20,000 convicted of sexual assault. While Maryland is not officially designated as a sanctuary state, it is generally considered to have policies favorable to immigrants. Baltimore City specifically prohibits law enforcement from inquiring about residents' immigration status. ICE data shows that the Baltimore ERO arrested 570 migrants with criminal convictions or pending charges in fiscal year 2024.