ICE Arrests 38 Immigrants at Construction Sites After Operation in El Paso

Three minors were rescued from illegal work at the sites during the nine-day enforcement action.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:49pm

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted a targeted operation in El Paso, Texas and Santa Teresa, New Mexico between January 11 and January 19, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 38 undocumented immigrants at three construction sites. The operation also led to the rescue of three minors who were allegedly working illegally at the sites. Among those arrested were individuals with prior criminal convictions, fugitives, and those accused of illegal reentry.

Why it matters

This operation highlights ICE's ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and target individuals with irregular immigration status, particularly those with criminal histories, in an attempt to enhance public safety. The discovery of minors working illegally also raises concerns about labor exploitation and the protection of vulnerable populations.

The details

During the nine-day operation, ICE officers detained 38 undocumented immigrants at three construction sites located in El Paso, Texas and Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Among those arrested were four individuals accused of illegal reentry, which is considered a felony offense, as well as two ICE fugitives with final orders of removal. Authorities also encountered and rescued three undocumented minors, aged 15, 16, and 17, who were allegedly working illegally at the construction sites. The minors were transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Of the 38 individuals arrested, eight had prior criminal convictions, including offenses such as assault causing bodily injury to a family member and driving while intoxicated. One individual was also turned over to local police for an outstanding warrant related to deceptive trade practices.

  • The operation was carried out between January 11 and January 19, 2026.
  • The enforcement action concluded on January 19, 2026 after nine days of coordinated activities.

The players

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.

Joel García

The acting field office director of ICE El Paso, who commented on the operation.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to aggressively pursue criminal investigations and enforce immigration laws to preserve national and public safety.”

— Joel García, Acting Field Office Director, ICE El Paso

“These routine and ongoing operations and arrests underscore ICE's unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. immigration laws and threaten the safety of our communities.”

— Joel García, Acting Field Office Director, ICE El Paso

What’s next

Officials stated that the arrests were part of routine and ongoing enforcement actions, indicating that similar operations may continue in the future.

The takeaway

This ICE operation in El Paso highlights the agency's ongoing efforts to target undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal histories, in an attempt to enhance public safety. The discovery of minors working illegally also raises concerns about labor exploitation and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable populations.