ICE agents in Los Angeles arrested 239 criminal illegal aliens in a weeklong operation, including perpetrators of manslaughter and child rape, as part of President Trump’s broader “Operation Take Back America” initiative.

At a Glance

• ICE arrested 239 criminal illegal aliens in Los Angeles during operations from May 4-10, 2025
• Arrests included individuals convicted or accused of manslaughter, theft, and aggravated rape of a minor
• Notable arrests included a Vietnamese citizen convicted of involuntary manslaughter and a Salvadoran national accused of child rape
• The operation involved collaboration with federal agencies including the DEA, FBI, and ATF
• Over 1,400 illegal aliens were criminally charged nationwide during the same week

Week-Long Enforcement Operation Targets Criminal Aliens

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents concluded a successful targeted enforcement operation in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of 239 criminal illegal aliens. The operation, conducted between May 4 and May 10, focused on elevating public safety in the greater Los Angeles area by removing individuals who pose significant threats to communities. The weeklong initiative represents one of several coordinated enforcement actions taking place across the country as federal authorities intensify efforts to address illegal immigration, particularly focusing on those with criminal histories.

The arrests specifically targeted individuals convicted of or facing charges for serious crimes including manslaughter, theft, drug offenses, and sexual crimes against minors. Law enforcement prioritized cases involving violent offenders and those with previous deportation orders who had re-entered the country illegally.

This strategic approach aligns with federal immigration enforcement priorities that emphasize the removal of criminal aliens who represent the most immediate threats to public safety and national security.

Notable Arrests Highlight Serious Criminal Histories

Among those arrested was Lan Pham, a Vietnamese citizen with an extensive criminal record including convictions for involuntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon. Pham’s arrest demonstrates the focus on removing violent offenders who have repeatedly violated U.S. laws. Additionally, authorities apprehended Manuel Angel Rodriguez-Martinez, a Salvadoran national facing charges of aggravated rape of a minor, underscoring the operation’s emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations from dangerous predators.

Jorge Artero Meza-Rodriguez, a Mexican citizen with multiple convictions for vehicle theft and assault, was also taken into custody during the operation. Another significant arrest included Sung Park, a Korean citizen previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter. Each case highlights the diverse range of serious criminal offenses committed by individuals who were residing in the United States illegally, often after previous deportations or immigration violations.

Multi-Agency Collaboration Powers Enforcement Efforts

The successful Los Angeles operation resulted from extensive collaboration between ICE and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Partners included the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service. This coordinated approach enabled authorities to leverage intelligence resources, specialized expertise, and manpower across jurisdictions to identify, locate, and apprehend priority targets.

The initiative falls under the broader framework of “Operation Take Back America,” which focuses on restricting illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal enterprises operating across U.S. borders. During the same week as the Los Angeles operation, federal authorities filed criminal charges against more than 1,400 individuals nationwide for immigration-related offenses, marking a significant escalation in enforcement actions compared to previous years.

Part of Nationwide Immigration Enforcement Strategy

The Los Angeles operation represents just one component of a comprehensive nationwide strategy to address illegal immigration, with particular emphasis on removing criminal aliens. Similar operations have been conducted in major metropolitan areas across the country, including recent enforcement actions in Houston, Chicago, New York, and Miami. Federal authorities have indicated that such operations will continue and potentially expand in scope as part of ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that individuals with final orders of removal remain enforcement priorities, particularly those with criminal histories or gang affiliations. The multiagency approach demonstrated in Los Angeles highlights the administration’s commitment to coordinated enforcement actions that maximize resources and effectiveness in addressing immigration violations that impact public safety. Additional operations under the “Operation Take Back America” initiative are expected in the coming months.