ICE Arrests 'Worst of the Worst' Criminal Illegal Immigrants

Convictions include murder, sexual assault of a child, and drug trafficking

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrests of several convicted criminal illegal immigrants, including those with convictions for murder, sexual assault of a child, and drug trafficking. The arrests were part of recent enforcement operations targeting the 'worst of the worst' criminal illegal immigrants nationwide.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by ICE to target and remove illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, despite criticism from some 'sanctuary' jurisdictions that have limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The cases demonstrate the serious nature of crimes committed by some illegal immigrants and the potential threat they pose to public safety.

The details

ICE announced the convictions of five illegal immigrants from Vietnam, Honduras, Cuba and Mexico. Muoi Van Duong, from Vietnam, was convicted of murder with a firearm in San Diego. Roberto Xochimitl-Flores, from Mexico, was found guilty of second-degree sexual abuse involving a person under 14 in New York City. Lisandro Omar Borjas-Aguirano, from Honduras, was convicted of sexual assault of a child in Texas. Rigoberto Salvia-Ricardo, a Cuban national, was convicted of sexual battery of a juvenile in Louisiana. Ricardo Rosas-Tapia, from Mexico, was convicted of cocaine distribution in North Carolina.

  • The arrests were part of recent ICE enforcement operations.

The players

Muoi Van Duong

An undocumented immigrant from Vietnam convicted of murder with a firearm in San Diego, California.

Roberto Xochimitl-Flores

A criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico found guilty of second-degree sexual abuse involving a person under 14 in New York City.

Lisandro Omar Borjas-Aguirano

An illegal resident from Honduras convicted of sexual assault of a child in Collin County, Texas.

Rigoberto Salvia-Ricardo

A Cuban national convicted of sexual battery of a juvenile in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

Ricardo Rosas-Tapia

A criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico convicted of possession with intent to sell or distribute cocaine in Wake County, North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“While sanctuary politicians release criminal illegal aliens from their jails to victimize more American families and children, our officers continue to arrest criminals.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary

“This statistic does not even include foreign fugitives, gang members, and terrorists who lack a rap sheet in the U.S.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary

The takeaway

The arrests by ICE highlight the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and public safety, with some jurisdictions limiting cooperation with federal authorities while others prioritize removing illegal immigrants with criminal convictions. The cases demonstrate the serious nature of crimes committed by some illegal immigrants and the potential threat they pose to communities.