In a large-scale immigration enforcement operation, federal authorities arrested 81 undocumented immigrants between March 10 and March 14, 2025. Dubbed “Operation Take Back America,” the crackdown aimed at targeting individuals with prior deportation records and those involved in criminal activities.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky on Friday, 18 of the arrested individuals are now facing criminal charges, including illegal reentry, firearm possession, and drug-related offenses.
Criminal Charges and Nationalities Involved
The arrested individuals come from various countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The 18 individuals facing criminal prosecution were primarily from these four nations.
However, authorities also administratively arrested individuals from Cuba, India, and Palau, though these individuals were not charged with any crimes.
Details of the Criminal Charges
Among those charged, authorities released the following notable cases:
- Angel David Zuniga-Baca (35, Honduras) – Charged with illegal reentry and firearm possession; faces a maximum of 17 years in prison.
- Ewin Cabrera-Cabrera (33, Honduras) – Charged with illegal reentry; faces a maximum of two years.
- Luis Alberto Torres-Flores (35, El Salvador) – Charged with illegal reentry; faces a maximum of two years.
- Lorenzo Perez-Perez (33, Guatemala) – Charged with illegal reentry; faces a maximum of two years.
- Esteban Perez-Cristostomo (45, Guatemala) – Charged with illegal reentry; faces a maximum of two years.
- Zoiber Hernandez-Dominguez (50, Mexico) – Charged with firearm possession; faces a maximum of 15 years.
- Humberto Avila-Duran (54, Mexico) – Charged with illegal reentry and firearm possession; faces a maximum of 17 years.
- Edi Diaz-Lopez (30, Mexico) – Charged with meth distribution and firearm possession; faces a maximum of 40 years.
- Alvaro Mandujano-Rodriguez (32, Mexico) – Charged with illegal reentry and firearm possession; faces a maximum of 17 years.
- Williams Josue Rodriguez-Calix (28, Honduras) – Charged with illegal reentry; faces a maximum of two years.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Statement on the Crackdown
Following the arrests, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett praised the coordinated effort of law enforcement agencies in making the operation a success.
“I commend the work of our federal law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and support personnel who worked tirelessly to make this operation a success,” said Bennett.
“The aggressive investigation and prosecution of those who violate immigration laws positively impact the security of our communities and our nation.”
This statement reflects the government’s strong stance on immigration enforcement, particularly against individuals who have reentered the country after deportation or are involved in criminal activities.
The Significance of “Operation Take Back America”
This latest operation is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and national security concerns. The arrests and charges send a clear message that violations of immigration law will not be taken lightly.
Key points of the operation include:
- Strict action against individuals with prior deportation records.
- Targeting those engaged in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and firearm possession.
- Collaboration between federal agencies to enhance border security.
What Happens Next?
For those facing criminal charges, legal proceedings will now determine their sentences and potential deportations. Given the severity of the charges, some of these individuals could face decades in prison before potential removal from the U.S.
For those who were administratively arrested but not charged with crimes, authorities will likely process their cases through immigration courts, where decisions on detention or deportation will be made.
Final Thoughts
The crackdown on undocumented immigrants through “Operation Take Back America” has sparked debates on immigration policies in the U.S. While some view this as a necessary step to enhance national security, others argue for more structured immigration reform rather than mass arrests.
As legal proceedings move forward, this operation highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in enforcing immigration laws while addressing concerns related to public safety and human rights.
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