The Trump administration has announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 32,800 illegal immigrants during President Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in office — including over 1,150 suspected gang members and 39 individuals identified as known or suspected terrorists.
According to ICE data, 14,111 of those arrested had prior criminal convictions, while another 9,980 face pending criminal charges. The number of terror-related arrests in this period also marks a sharp increase from 14 cases during the same time frame in 2024.
Former FBI special agent Jonathan Gilliam told Fox News Digital the crackdown is already making U.S. communities safer.
“As these arrests happen, crime will go down,” Gilliam said. “It’s no longer a free pass for illegal immigrants. The streets are already feeling the difference.”
Gilliam credited border czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for a “methodical” approach that focuses on the most dangerous individuals.
“They’re developing strong cases and moving fast. And while targeting high-risk offenders, ICE is also deporting others who may not be as dangerous — but still here illegally,” he said.
High-Profile Arrests
Among those arrested was Keycy Robinson Alexi Barrera-Rosa, 24, who now faces murder charges in Maryland after his girlfriend, Lesbia Mileth Ramirez Guerra, was found buried in a wooded area near Cedarville State Forest. Barrera-Rosa had initially reported her missing on April 2 before being arrested by ICE three days later.
Operation “Tidal Wave”
ICE’s Miami division led a recent coordinated operation that resulted in nearly 800 illegal immigrants arrested. Highlights from the sweep include:
- An alleged MS-13 gang member with three prior illegal entries.
- A Colombian national convicted of murder.
- A Russian national wanted for manslaughter under an Interpol Red Notice.
- Members of the 18th Street gang, known for violent crime across the U.S. and Central America.
One particularly notable figure arrested was Rafael Juarez Cabrera, a Guatemalan national and suspected MS-13 member who had illegally reentered the U.S. three times and has a felony conviction for illegal reentry.
A Judge Under Scrutiny
In a separate incident, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was charged with obstructing an official proceeding after allegedly shielding an illegal immigrant from ICE officers — drawing sharp criticism from federal officials.
Gilliam said holding such individuals accountable is critical.
“Whether it’s judges, government leakers, or holdovers from the previous administration who facilitated illegal stays, we must act,” he said. “Some of them intentionally extended stays hoping for a future liberal president to legalize these migrants and grant them voting rights.”
A Message from the Trump Administration
Speaking from the White House on Monday, border czar Tom Homan reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enforcement and public safety.
The administration’s aggressive immigration push comes amid ongoing legal battles and national debate, but officials argue the results speak for themselves.
“This is about restoring the rule of law,” said Gilliam. “And it’s about protecting American communities — one arrest at a time.”
