President Donald Trump and his border czar, Tom Homan, are intensifying their efforts to combat illegal alien crime and hold individuals accountable for criminal activities facilitated by immigration violations. A recent mass arrest operation has revealed the depth of the problem that has persisted under former President Joe Biden’s administration, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing illegal immigration and identity theft issues tied to undocumented individuals.
Mass Arrest and Criminal Charges for 18 Illegal Aliens
On Friday, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of 18 criminal illegal aliens charged as part of an immigration-related identity theft investigation. This multi-agency operation involved significant cooperation between federal agencies, marking an important step in the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration-related crime.
According to ICE officials, the individuals were charged with aggravated identity theft, misuse of Social Security numbers, and false statements regarding citizenship, all with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment. The charges carry severe penalties, with each individual facing a minimum of two years and up to 12 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts. The arrested individuals, primarily from Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, represent just a fraction of the broader issue of illegal immigration and criminal activity within the United States.
The names and details of those arrested include:
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Luvin Daniel Hernandez Amador (Honduras) – Indicted on Feb. 27, 2025
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Elvin Donahel Hernandez Amador (Honduras) – Indicted on Dec. 17, 2024
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Elmer Modesto Amador (Honduras) – Indicted on Oct. 1, 2024
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Junior Eduardo Ferrufino Andino (Honduras) – Indicted on Oct. 1, 2024
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Noe Ardon (Honduras) – Indicted on June 25, 2024
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Sindi Yamileth Mejia Avila (Guatemala) – Indicted on Dec. 17, 2024
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Cristian Daniel Diaz-Garcia (Honduras) – Scheduled for trial in April 2025
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Pedro Amaya Enriquez (Honduras) – Indicted on June 25, 2024
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Juan Resendiz Ledesma (Mexico) – Indicted on June 25, 2024
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Erlin Maradiaga-Flores (Honduras) – Pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, sentenced to 2 years in prison on Oct. 17, 2024
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Nidia Maradiaga-Flores (Honduras) – Scheduled for trial in April 2025
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Allan Gomez-Zelaya (Honduras) – Pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, sentencing scheduled for April 15, 2025
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Elieser Gomez-Zelaya (Honduras) – Superseding indictment returned on Sept. 27, 2023
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Juan Molina-Salles (Honduras) – Indicted on Sept. 6, 2023
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karyna Valdes, Christopher F. Murray, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III, with investigations coordinated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Border Patrol, Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Homan’s Strong Words on Criminal Alien Networks
In February, Tom Homan, a former acting director of ICE under the Trump administration, issued a dire warning to criminal aliens and their associates. Homan’s comments came during his appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he declared that the administration would continue its efforts to track down and deport every criminal alien in the country.
“We had about 1,800 [illegal immigrants] a day in 2023. You know how many we had yesterday? Forty-eight,” Homan stated, highlighting a significant reduction in the number of illegal immigrant “gotaways”—individuals who successfully evade Border Patrol agents. While the number of “gotaways” has dropped by 95%, Homan emphasized that even the 48 individuals who slipped through remain unacceptable to the administration.
Homan’s remarks also extended to criminal gangs operating within the U.S., including the notorious Tren de Aragua and MS-13—both of which have been recently labeled foreign terrorist organizations by the Trump administration. Homan’s comments were clear: criminal gangs involved in trafficking, violence, and illegal activities should be eradicated from U.S. soil.
“He’s going to wipe you off the face of the earth,” Homan declared, sending a stern message to gangs like MS-13, who, he argues, have caused more American deaths than any other terrorist group worldwide. He also warned that anyone aiding these groups—whether through drug sales or other criminal acts—was effectively assisting terrorist organizations.
The Trump Administration’s Push for Zero Tolerance
The Trump administration’s ongoing zero-tolerance approach to illegal immigration, particularly regarding criminal elements, remains a central theme in Homan’s statements. The deportation and criminal charges announced Friday underscore the administration’s broader push to hold illegal immigrants accountable, especially those involved in illegal activities such as identity theft, fraudulent work, and gang membership.
Homan’s remarks to CPAC made it clear that he does not consider the fight against illegal immigration and criminal alien activities to be over. While the number of gotaways has decreased significantly, the administration remains determined to eliminate every criminal alien, gang member, and cartels from U.S. soil.
In a bold statement, Homan reaffirmed his goal: “I’m happy with the numbers, but I’m not going to be satisfied until every criminal alien gang member, every criminal alien, every Tren de Aragua is eradicated from this country and sent to Gitmo, where they belong.”
Criminal Alien Networks: A Growing Concern for U.S. Security
As these criminal alien networks continue to thrive, their impact on American communities cannot be understated. Tren de Aragua, a particularly violent gang originating from Venezuela, has extended its influence throughout Central and South America, including into the United States. Similarly, MS-13, a gang with roots in El Salvador, has long been responsible for widespread violence, trafficking, and illegal activities, from drug distribution to violent acts in major cities.
The Trump administration’s tough stance on these gangs reflects an escalating concern about the national security risks posed by criminal alien networks. These groups have been involved in human trafficking, smuggling, and violent crimes across the U.S., further complicating efforts to maintain public safety and uphold immigration laws.
Homan’s rhetoric also serves as a warning to sanctuary cities and jurisdictions that are reluctant to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Despite some local governments’ refusal to work with ICE and other federal agencies, the administration’s message remains clear: criminal aliens will be pursued relentlessly, and there will be consequences for those who harbor them.
Conclusion: A Continued Commitment to Border Security
The mass arrests and criminal charges made public by ICE officials represent a key victory in the Trump administration’s continued efforts to tackle illegal immigration and its associated criminal activities. As part of a broader strategy to secure the U.S. border and eliminate dangerous criminal elements, the administration’s commitment to confronting these issues head-on remains firm.
From criminal identity theft to the eradication of violent gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, the Trump administration has shown it will leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice and border security. With the continued support of agencies like ICE, Homan’s hardline stance against criminal aliens and immigration-related crimes sends a strong message that the fight against illegal immigration will remain a top priority for the administration, with serious consequences for those who break the law.
