As the calendar turns to 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is capping the year with a dual message: a highlight reel of high-profile arrests involving violent offenders and a final reminder about the administration’s expiring financial incentive for voluntary self-deportation.
In a statement released Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detailed a series of apprehensions carried out over the Christmas holiday. The agency focused specifically on foreign nationals with prior convictions for severe crimes, including homicide and sexual offenses against minors.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin characterized the holiday enforcement sweep as a necessary measure to secure communities.
READ: ‘Land Of Make-Believe’: Minnesota Senate Hopeful Hann Rips Flanagan Over Hijab, Fraud Scandal
“While Americans across the country spent time with their families this Christmas season, ICE continued delivering the American people the greatest gift of 2025: getting criminals out of our neighborhoods,” McLaughlin said. She described those targeted in the operation as “heinous criminal illegal aliens,” specifically noting the removal of individuals convicted of abusing children.
High-Profile Apprehensions
The agency released details on several specific arrests made on Sunday, emphasizing the severity of the criminal records involved:
- In Florida: Agents arrested Julio Miguel Gonzalez, a Cuban national convicted of willful homicide in Miami.
- In California: Authorities apprehended Juan Perez-Tello in Santa Barbara, citing a conviction for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. Additionally, Carlos Esqueda-Ortega was taken into custody. Officials say Esqueda-Ortega had a lengthy criminal history across Stockton, San Diego, and Santa Rosa, including convictions for weapons possession, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, and illegal re-entry after a previous deportation.
- In Colorado and Texas: The sweep netted Jose Barrera-Bolanos in Denver, convicted of sexual assault of a child, and Gustavo Benitez-Barrueta in Austin, who was convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
READ: Florida And Tennessee Lawmakers Push To Permanently Enshrine ‘Anti-Communism Week’
Deadline for Departure Stipends
Alongside the enforcement news, DHS issued a sharp reminder regarding the “CBP Home” initiative. The program offers undocumented individuals a free flight home and a $3,000 stipend if they agree to self-deport.
According to the release, the window to claim this financial assistance is closing rapidly. Officials stated that those in the U.S. illegally must sign up through the CBP Home app by the end of the year to qualify for the payment and travel arrangements.
READ: Ghost Tenants And Missing Billions: HUD Audit Exposes $5.8 Billion Rental Aid Scandal
The announcement reinforces the administration’s strategy under President Trump and Secretary Noem, combining strict removal operations for those with criminal records with incentivized voluntary departure for others.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
