ICE Arrests Repeat Offender from El Salvador Living in San Pablo

The undocumented immigrant has six prior criminal convictions, including assault, hit-and-run, and DUI.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of Jose Lopez-Arevalo, a 26-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador living in San Pablo, California. Lopez-Arevalo has a criminal history that includes six prior convictions for offenses such as assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle hit-and-run, false imprisonment, grand theft, and DUI.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety, particularly in so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions like California that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The details

According to ICE, Lopez-Arevalo has previously been convicted for a range of crimes, including assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle hit-and-run, false imprisonment, grand theft, evading police, and driving under the influence in Contra Costa, Marin, and Alameda counties. He was most recently arrested on February 4, 2026 and released on February 11 after serving his sentence.

  • On February 13, 2026, ICE announced the arrest of Lopez-Arevalo.
  • Lopez-Arevalo was previously arrested on February 5, 2025 and August 10, 2020 for various offenses.
  • He was also arrested by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department on June 15, 2024 and earlier in February 2026.

The players

Jose Lopez-Arevalo

A 26-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador living in San Pablo, California, with a criminal history of six prior convictions.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that announced the arrest of Lopez-Arevalo.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Assistant Secretary at ICE who commented on the arrest of Lopez-Arevalo and other undocumented immigrants with criminal histories.

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What they’re saying

“Yesterday, the brave men and women of ICE arrested heinous criminal illegal aliens convicted for sex crimes against children, felony battery and one monster convicted for SIX offenses including a hit-and-run and grand theft. There is absolutely no reason these violent criminals should remain in this country.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (contracostaherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jose Lopez-Arevalo to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around immigration enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety, particularly in jurisdictions with 'sanctuary' policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.