ICE Targets Criminal Illegal Aliens Behind Deadly DWI Crashes in Houston

Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston arrested 243 criminal aliens with multiple DWI convictions in the past year, including 21 charged with intoxication manslaughter.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Houston has been aggressively targeting criminal illegal aliens with repeated drunk-driving convictions, issuing detainers for two Mexican nationals recently arrested for intoxication manslaughter. Over the past year, ERO officers in Houston arrested 243 criminal aliens who had been convicted of three or more DWI incidents, including 21 charged with intoxication manslaughter. ICE officials say the trend of criminal illegal aliens repeatedly putting innocent lives at risk by driving under the influence is "reckless and tragic."

Why it matters

The issue of criminal illegal aliens with multiple DWI convictions causing deadly crashes has become a major public safety concern in the Houston area. ICE's crackdown on this problem aims to hold repeat offenders accountable and prevent further tragedies on Texas roads.

The details

ICE officials say the criminal illegal aliens arrested in Houston last year had extensive criminal histories, with convictions not only for DWI and intoxication manslaughter, but also for a range of other offenses including illegal entry, illegal reentry, assault, theft, and failure to stop and render aid. Many of the suspects were previously deported multiple times but continued to illegally re-enter the country.

  • In the past year, since President Trump began his second term.
  • On Feb. 2, ICE placed a detainer on Enrique Acevedo Barocio, a 27-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico, who was arrested on intoxication manslaughter charges.
  • On Aug. 24, 2025, ICE arrested Jose Jaudencio Coj Pocop, a 32-year-old criminal illegal alien from Guatemala with prior convictions for intoxicated manslaughter, DWI, hit-and-run and assault.
  • On March 12, 2025, ICE arrested Leticia Caballero Guadarrama, a 54-year-old, six-time removed criminal illegal alien from Mexico with six DWI convictions.
  • On Jan. 31, 2025, ICE arrested Humberto Romero Avila, a 46-year-old, five-time removed criminal illegal alien from Mexico who has been convicted five times for DWI.

The players

Gabriel Martinez

Acting Field Office Director for ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Houston.

Enrique Acevedo Barocio

A 27-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico who was arrested on intoxication manslaughter charges.

Manuel Neri Mendoza

A 37-year-old previously returned criminal illegal alien from Mexico with two prior DWI convictions who was arrested on intoxication manslaughter charges.

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What they’re saying

“After violating our nation's laws to illegally enter the country, these criminal illegal aliens repeatedly put the lives of innocent Americans in jeopardy by getting behind the wheel intoxicated.”

— Gabriel Martinez, Acting Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Houston (Breitbart)

“It has become extremely common for criminal illegal aliens to flee from ICE and other law enforcement. This is a direct result of elected officials demonizing our officers and encouraging aliens to evade arrest.”

— Gabriel Martinez, Acting Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Houston (Breitbart)

What’s next

The judge in the cases of Enrique Acevedo Barocio and Manuel Neri Mendoza will decide on whether to allow them out on bail.

The takeaway

This crackdown by ICE highlights the ongoing public safety threat posed by criminal illegal aliens with multiple drunk driving convictions in the Houston area. It underscores the need for sustained enforcement and cooperation from local authorities to address this persistent issue and prevent further tragedies on Texas roads.