Over the weekend, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and partner agencies conducted nationwide operations, resulting in the apprehension of more than 1,200 individuals residing in the country illegally who have been charged with or convicted of crimes within the United States.

ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) shared images depicting agents apprehending suspects across the country.

In Atlanta, a city far from the southern border yet central to the immigration debate following the tragic murder of a college student by an individual residing in the country illegally, ERO collaborated with the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations to detain individuals with criminal records for potential deportation.

Federal agents with a suspected criminal alien at an Atlanta airport terminal before a deportation flight. (HSI Atlanta)

In Miami, federal agents apprehended at least four individuals residing in the U.S. illegally and accused of committing crimes, including a Nicaraguan national detained in Broward County for an alleged shooting.

A joint operation involving ICE, FBI, ATF, DEA, Border Patrol, and U.S. Marshals took place in Chicago, where the mayor has pledged to shield those residing in the country illegally from enforcement actions. These "enhanced targeted operations" aim to uphold U.S. immigration law and safeguard public safety and national security.

Boston ERO reported the arrest of Wisteguens Charles, a Haitian national with 17 criminal convictions in Massachusetts and suspected gang affiliation.

"Mr. Charles's unlawful presence in the United States and repeated violations of our laws have caused significant harm to Massachusetts residents," stated Patricia Hyde, acting director of the Boston Field Office. "ERO Boston is committed to apprehending and removing such individuals from our communities."

Wisteguens Jean Quely Charles, a Haitian national and alleged gang member with 17 criminal convictions in Massachusetts, after his arrest by ICE agents from Boston. (ICE ERO Boston)

Charles, 25, initially entered the U.S. illegally in 2013 and accumulated 17 criminal convictions between 2022 and 2024. Despite an ICE detainer request in 2023, a Massachusetts jail released him.

These arrests are part of an operation targeting individuals with criminal records who pose a threat to national security or public safety.

President Trump's focus on border security follows his predecessor's perceived inaction on addressing illegal immigration. A series of high-profile crimes committed by migrants has fueled public concern and led to legislative efforts such as the Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by an individual residing in the country illegally.

Federal agents detain a man accused of immigration crime. (HSI Atlanta)

Jose Ibarra, convicted of Riley's murder, had entered the U.S. illegally and was granted parole, allowing him to travel within the country before committing the crime in Georgia.

A suspected criminal alien is processed by ICE and Homeland Security Investigations agents. (ERO Atlanta)

"Removing criminal aliens from our communities is not just about enforcement—it's about protection," stated HSI's Atlanta office. "Ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods begins with upholding the law."