ICE arrested five violent criminals convicted of child rape, sodomy, and aggravated assault—all illegal aliens—in a single 24-hour period, exposing how sanctuary city policies harbor predators while President Trump’s administration finally puts American safety first.
Trump Administration Targets Violent Predators in Single-Day Sweep
ICE arrested five illegal aliens convicted of heinous violent crimes on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in a coordinated 24-hour operation targeting the most dangerous criminal offenders.
The arrests included Jesus Acosta-Ichaurrondo, a Mexican national convicted of rape by force and sodomy of a minor, and Jaime Briseno Resendez, also Mexican, convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Guatemalan national Engelber Eduardo De Leon-Hernandez faced charges of child sexual abuse, while Ecuadoran Daniel Salto and Cuban Jose Zamora Escalona were convicted of assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, respectively. DHS emphasized these cases represent precisely the threats American families deserve protection from.
Jesus Acosta-Ichaurrondo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of rape by force/fear, sodomy by force/violence/fear on a minor, solicit specified criminal acts while on bail, prevent/dissuade witness threat, and violation of protection order in Fullerton, California. pic.twitter.com/GaexIjNYIT
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 28, 2026
Operation Metro Surge Removes Over 2,000 Criminal Aliens from Minnesota Streets
The Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge has resulted in more than 2,000 arrests in Minnesota since its launch, with 212 individuals classified as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. DHS statistics reveal that 70 percent of all ICE arrests nationwide involve criminal illegal aliens who committed crimes on American soil.
In Minnesota specifically, the 212 most dangerous offenders include 75 individuals with violent or gang convictions, 28 convicted of sex offenses, and 57 involved in drug crimes. The operation directly confronts sanctuary policies implemented by Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, which DHS officials argue create safe havens for violent criminals who should face deportation.
Jaime Briseno Resendez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of continuous sexual abuse of child, sodomy, oral copulation with a person under 14-years old, and lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14-years old in Orange, California. pic.twitter.com/4CLfnhfJ4m
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 28, 2026
Sanctuary Policies Shield Predators While ICE Officers Face Escalating Dangers
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Operation Metro Surge specifically targets criminals “who flock to Minnesota because sanctuary politicians protect them,” highlighting the direct consequences of refusing federal cooperation on immigration enforcement. The enforcement surge follows years of Biden-era border policies that allowed millions of illegal entries, creating conditions where violent offenders entered and remained in American communities. ICE agents conducting these operations face unprecedented risks, with reported increases of 1,300 percent in assaults against officers and 8,000 percent in death threats. President Trump defended Secretary Noem’s enforcement efforts, stating she is doing a “very good job” while declaring the border “totally secure” under renewed federal control.
🚨 BREAKING: ICE attempted to apprehend a convicted S*XUAL PREDATOR in Minneapolis, but he fled into the Ecuadorian consulate, who then BLOCKED ICE from entering
Ecuador should be KICKED OUT of the U.S. if they’re going to harbor illegal predators
INSANE pic.twitter.com/jzgHnCIAlH
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 29, 2026
National Enforcement Strategy Prioritizes Child Safety and Community Protection
The arrests reflect a broader Trump administration commitment to removing violent criminals who entered illegally during previous years of lax enforcement. DHS data indicates that among the 212 “worst of the worst” arrested in Minnesota, nationalities include 91 from Mexico, 22 from Honduras, and 20 from Somalia, demonstrating the international scope of criminal migration to sanctuary jurisdictions. Earlier DHS operations in December 2025 removed over 400 pedophiles and rapists from the Minneapolis area alone. The WOW.DHS.Gov website now publicly lists removals of the most dangerous offenders, providing transparency about enforcement actions. While critics claim overreach, these operations directly address crimes against children and violent assaults that erode community safety.
Daniel Salto, a criminal illegal alien from Ecuador convicted of assault in New York City, New York. pic.twitter.com/x3TBLDWNah
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 28, 2026
The focused enforcement on convicted violent criminals, particularly those who victimized children, represents a fulfillment of campaign promises to restore law and order after years of policies that prioritized illegal immigrant protection over American citizen safety. This approach contrasts sharply with sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, effectively shielding individuals convicted of the most serious offenses from consequences. The Trump administration’s strategy sends a clear message that American communities will no longer serve as refuges for foreign nationals who commit violent crimes, especially those targeting the most vulnerable citizens.
Sources:
FOX 9: ICE Minnesota – Who Are the ‘Worst of the Worst’ Arrested Jan 2026
White House: ICE Is Going After the Worst of the Worst
This is what Minnesota wants to protect