Reports from Houston, Texas, suggest that the deportation initiatives of the Trump administration have led to such a significant removal of undocumented immigrants that certain areas of the city resemble a “ghost town.” An insider from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that the agency has conducted a large-scale deportation operation in Houston, referred to as “Operation 47.”
While this operation has achieved notable success, resulting in several high-profile criminal apprehensions, it is reportedly having adverse effects on local businesses. Sources indicate that shops, eateries, and bars in certain neighborhoods of Houston are nearly deserted, as undocumented immigrants are reluctant to venture outside due to fears of being detained by ICE. One account highlighted that a once-bustling farmer’s market has recently experienced a significant decline in activity.
Nevertheless, the deportation initiative has led to the apprehension of numerous undocumented individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including offenses related to child exploitation and violence. For instance, reports reveal that authorities arrested David Lopez Javier, a 45-year-old Honduran national who has faced deportation twice before. Officials assert that Javier has illegally re-entered the country on three separate occasions.
During his time in the United States without legal status, Javier has amassed a record of various crimes, including charges of lewd and lascivious battery on a child, cocaine trafficking, cocaine possession, illegal re-entry after removal, and two counts of larceny. Another individual, Efrain Gomez Cac, a 30-year-old Guatemalan national previously deported, has a history of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon resulting in bodily harm and driving under the influence.
In response to the arrests of these individuals, Bret Bradford, the Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, stated, “Criminal aliens who repeatedly violate our nation’s immigration laws only to commit sex offenses against innocent minors, traffic deadly narcotics in our local communities, or commit violent offenses against law-abiding citizens must be held accountable.”
The American Tribune has recently highlighted remarks made by Tom Homan, the border czar during the Trump administration, who asserted that he would proceed with deportations “without apology” in response to a video featuring Selena Gomez expressing her distress over President Trump’s policies. Homan emphasized that his actions were motivated by concerns for public safety and national security.
“I don’t believe we have apprehended any families. Our focus has been on individuals posing threats to public safety and national security, plain and simple. President Trump was elected primarily on the promise to secure our borders and protect lives. The situation at our southern border over the past four years represents the most significant national security challenge this country has faced in my lifetime,” Homan stated.
He further remarked, “We will conduct this operation unapologetically. Our goal is to enhance the safety of our communities. Once we secure the border, we anticipate a reduction in fentanyl-related fatalities, a decline in crimes committed by illegal immigrants, and a decrease in sex trafficking. This initiative is for the benefit of the nation. We will persist in our efforts. No apologies. We will continue our work.”
