ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

08/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2026 06:58

ICE removes criminal illegal aliens convicted of violent crimes July 19

WASHINGTON - On July 19, ICE removed several criminal illegal aliens with convictions for crimes including sexual assault, voluntary manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

"ICE officers put themselves in harm's way every day to identify, arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens who threaten our communities," said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles. "Every criminal illegal alien we remove is one less threat to our communities and the people we care about - and we will continue arresting and removing those who have no lawful basis to remain in the United States to preserve public safety and national security.

Those removed include the following:

  • Sergio Gonzalez Valencia, a 31-year-old from Mexico, was convicted of conspiracy to commit manslaughter and reentry after removal. Valencia entered the U.S. illegally on an unknown date and location, but he was arrested and removed to Mexico in January 2014. He illegally reentered the U.S. - a felony - at least four more times.
  • Jose Luis Carlos Pena, a 53-year-old from Mexico, was convicted of homicide, hit and run, possession of fraudulent immigration documents and reentry after removal . After illegally entering the U.S., Pena was removed to Mexico in 2008. He subsequently reentered the country.
  • Ricardo Gonzalez Espinoza, a 28-year-old from Mexico, was convicted of felony domestic violence and sexual assault. After illegally entering the U.S. in 2015, Customs and Border Protection allowed him to voluntarily return to Mexico. Following his removal from the U.S. in 2024, CBP encountered him in 2025near Laredo, Texas, after he waded across the Rio Grande River to illegally reenter the U.S.
  • Reyes Flores Ocampo, a 50-year-old from Mexico, has three convictions for driving while intoxicated. He was also convicted for possession of cocaine and other dangerous drugs, evading arrest and bail jumping. Having illegally entered the U.S., Ocampo was removed in 1997. He illegally re-entered, was apprehended and removed again twice more, in 2000 and in 2006.
  • Hilario Vargas, a 52-year-old from Mexico, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and possession of cocaine. In 2002, Vargas was removed to Mexico, but he illegally reentered the U.S. at least three more times.

Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States and will be removed as quickly as possible. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin's leadership, ICE is delivering on its mission to enforce our nation's immigration laws, restore accountability, and protect American communities.

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

Learn more about ICE's public safety mission on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and Truth Social.

ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement published this content on August 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 28, 2026 at 12:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]