'Worst of the worst': Latest ICE roundup nabs gang members, rapists, murderers

“President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

Published: January 23, 2026 12:39pm

The Department of Homeland Security on Friday announced its latest roundup of the "worst of the worst" illegal alien criminals as the Trump administration moves to deport as many as 22 million illegal aliens from the country.

Thus far, the administration has deported roughly 600,000 people from the country, with roughly 2 million more illegal aliens self-deporting amid the crackdown. The administration has prioritized violent criminals with prior convictions, resulting in its "worst of the worst" roundups.

Friday's catch included MS-13 gang members, convicted rapists, and murderers.

“President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "Yesterday, ICE arrested murderers, MS-13 gang members, and rapists.”

“These are the type of thugs we are getting off the streets and out of country every single day. 70% of all ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S. Americans can see for themselves what criminals have been removed from their community at WOW.DHS.Gov," she added.

Topping the list was Evis Peguero-Cotarelo of Cuba, who was previously convicted of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon/attempt.

Ai Trinh of Vietnam was previously convicted of murder.

Gustavo Alberto Miranda-Castro of El Salvador is a member of MS-13 and was previously convicted of carrying a loaded firearm in a public place.

Hector Horacio Perez-Valdivia of Mexico was previously convicted of rape of spouse by force, inflict corporal injury; spouse/cohab.

Omar Johnson of Jamaica was previously convicted of two counts of armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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