ICE continues removing egregious criminal illegal aliens who threaten local communities

WASHINGTON - During late July and early August, ICE removed several criminal illegal aliens with convictions for crimes including murder, sexual assault and arson.

"Every one of these removals makes our communities safer," said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles. "These are convicted criminals who no longer pose a threat on American streets. That's what immigration enforcement is supposed to do - protect the American people by removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our country."

Those removed include the following:

• Hernan Portillo Melendez, a 39-year-old from Honduras, was convicted of second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. Melendez was previously removed to Honduras in April 2024. He was again encountered near Carrizo Springs, Texas, later that same year.
• Neri Farid Calix Ardon, a 31-year-old from Honduras, was convicted of sexual assault of a child. Ardon entered the U.S. without inspection around 2016 at an unknown location. He was removed to Honduras in September 2023, but by January 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered him again at the Eagle Pass, Texas, International Railroad Bridge. Authorities then charged him with reentry after deportation.
• Douglas Corea-Cabezas, a 53-year-old from Nicaragua, was convicted of sexual battery, kidnapping, strongarm robbery and cocaine possession. Cabezas was admitted to the U.S. at Miami, Florida, and authorized to remain until Sept. 27, 1980. He was removed from the U.S. during August 1991, but he reentered the country unlawfully. Cabezas was removed again in 1996, before he committed a second unlawful reentry.
• Rafael Panduro Puga, a 38-year-old from Mexico, was convicted of arson and possession of a controlled substance while armed. Puga illegally entered the U.S. around 1999 and was removed from the United States in July.

Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States and will be removed as quickly as possible. President Trump promised the American people that his administration would restore law and order to our immigration system, and ICE is delivering on that promise every day.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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