Recent federal operations in New Mexico have led to the arrest of dozens of individuals identified as illegal aliens, some with serious criminal backgrounds. Over the past few weeks, joint investigations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies have resulted in significant law enforcement actions across the state.
In one notable case, ICE agents executed a search warrant in Albuquerque in late February. During this operation, they discovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine containing 19 rounds. This weapon was linked to Maikol Ramos, a Venezuelan national who is in the U.S. illegally and now faces charges for possession of the firearm. Additionally, another loaded handgun was found under a bed, which Antoni Herrera, also from Venezuela, admitted to owning. He, too, faces charges related to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Another investigation focused on Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who is suspected of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, a notorious group from Venezuela. Authorities received an anonymous tip about Ortega-Lopez, who had entered the U.S. illegally earlier this year and was released to seek asylum. Evidence from social media showed him handling multiple firearms at a shooting range, leading to potential charges for weapon possession as an illegal alien.
In a separate case involving Raul Esparza-Gonzalez, investigators found 11 firearms during a search related to his activities. Esparza-Gonzalez, a previously deported illegal alien from Mexico, is now facing charges for possessing these weapons.
In a broader sweep, ICE and its federal partners arrested 48 illegal aliens across New Mexico in early March. Nearly half of those arrested had previous criminal convictions, including serious offenses like homicide, sexual assault, and drug trafficking. These enforcement actions took place in cities including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Roswell, with support from agencies like the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mary De Anda-Ybarra, the director of ICE’s El Paso Field Office, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with federal partners. She emphasized the importance of these operations in enhancing public safety and removing dangerous individuals from communities.
These recent actions highlight ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address illegal immigration and associated criminal activities in New Mexico.