Homeland Security Commemorates Veterans Day with ICE Operations
Exclusive: On Veterans Day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) honored the sacrifices of veterans who have transitioned from military service to roles in safeguarding U.S. borders and communities.
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
“DHS honors the patriotism and heroism of Americans who served our country and continue to protect our homeland and freedoms by arresting the worst of the worst criminals across the U.S.,” stated a department spokesperson in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted that over 7,500 veterans serve as agents for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agents often face dangerous confrontations, as recent videos and reports depict altercations with armed civilians and violent protests.
DHS’s Recent Operations
On the eve of Veterans Day, ICE agents, many of whom are veterans, conducted operations targeting sex offenders and child predators across various locations, including Pennsylvania’s Coal Region and the Utah desert.
Just the day before, ICE’s efforts led to the arrest of several violent criminals, including pedophiles and rapists. “We are eternally grateful to all Americans who have bravely served [and] protected our freedoms. We are only the land of the free because of the brave,” remarked McLaughlin.
Highlighting Recent Arrests
In a significant operation, ICE’s Philadelphia office arrested Colombian national Albert Quinones-Quinones in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. This community, known for its historical significance as home to America’s oldest brewery, Yuengling, now sees enhanced safety with Quinones-Quinones removed from the streets.
The arrested individual possessed a previous sexual assault conviction alongside a lengthy criminal record, according to ICE reports.
Criminal Activity Across Regions
Moving northward, ICE officials in Buffalo, New York, apprehended Delbes De Jesus Hernandez-Vargas, a Dominican national with a prior rape conviction in Bronx County. Meanwhile, another arrest was made in The Bronx, where Luis Castillo-Flores, 45, a Dominican national with a violent history, was taken into custody.
In Utah, agents arrested Guatemalan national Juan Guerra-Ubaldo, who had previously faced charges for sexually abusing a minor in Washington County. The southwest also saw action when Jesus Hernandez-Hernandez was captured in Texas, where he had been convicted of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 14.
Veterans’ Continued Commitment to Service
As Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces, the DHS’s recognition of veterans now serving as ICE agents reflects the ongoing commitment many have to protect their communities. The transition from military service to law enforcement highlights the diverse roles veterans play in maintaining national security.
These operations are just one example of the vital contributions made by former service members. While their uniform may have changed, their dedication to ensuring safety and justice remains steadfast.
