Massive Law Enforcement Operation Nets Nearly 120 Illegal Immigrants in Texas Subdivision, Including Accused MS-13 Murderer
A large-scale law enforcement operation in a Plum Grove, Texas, subdivision has resulted in the apprehension of approximately 120 individuals suspected of being in the United States illegally. Among those arrested is a man believed to be a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, who is accused of murder and has a history of multiple deportations from the country.
The operation, a collaborative effort involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Homeland Security, and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, unfolded on Monday, targeting the Colony Ridge neighborhood. The sweep led to the arrest of 118 individuals suspected of being unlawfully present in the U.S., including Luis Miguel Perez-Miranda, a 34-year-old man from El Salvador.
Perez-Miranda is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of a man in the Houston area, specifically within the Colony Ridge neighborhood. The crime prompted a manhunt by authorities in Dayton, Texas, culminating in Perez-Miranda’s capture and subsequent detention at the Liberty County Jail.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford emphasized the dedication and bravery of ICE officers, stating, Despite attempts by some to spread false information and rumors about the brave men and women who work for ICE, they continue to come in to work every day and put their own lives at risk to make our communities safer.
Bradford further asserted that the apprehension of Perez-Miranda underscores the vital role ICE plays in safeguarding communities. Without their incredible sacrifice and commitment to execute their mission at the highest level, this dangerous MS-13 gang member who allegedly butchered an innocent man earlier in the day would still be at large in the community, posing a potential threat to every Houstonian he encountered.
ICE records indicate that Perez-Miranda has a lengthy history of illegal entry into the U.S., with at least seven documented instances. He was previously deported from the country in August 2021. Prior to that, he was removed to El Salvador in September 2009, August 2014, July 2016, March 2019, and March 2023. His criminal record includes convictions for drug trafficking, drug possession, and illegal entry into the U.S.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the operation on Monday morning, stating that state authorities were working in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an immigration and law enforcement operation in Colony Ridge, a large residential development known for attracting undocumented immigrants.
Abbott, a Republican, stated on X that Colony Ridge is being targeted today, emphasizing the state’s commitment to addressing immigration concerns. Colony Ridge, located less than an hour’s drive from Houston, is a housing development that advertises in Spanish, touting affordable land and low down payments. The community is believed to be home to thousands of undocumented immigrants and is reportedly plagued by significant cartel activity and a limited police presence.
Former ICE Director Tom Homan, appearing on Fox News, explained that the operation was part of a broader criminal investigation targeting a network, with many individuals of interest residing in the Colony Ridge area.
Homan clarified that the operation was not aimed at the entire community, but rather at specific individuals suspected of criminal activity. We have specific targets we are looking for. We know exactly what we are looking for and the crimes they had committed during this operation, Homan stated.
He emphasized that the priority is to apprehend criminal illegal migrants and national security threats but acknowledged that anyone in the country illegally is at risk of deportation.
ICE has confirmed that those arrested have been charged with and convicted of various offenses, including criminal sexual conduct, homicide, theft, negligent manslaughter, child sexual abuse, crimes of moral turpitude, weapons offenses, and drug offenses. This highlights the potential threat such individuals pose to public safety and the importance of law enforcement efforts to address illegal immigration and related criminal activity.
The operation in Colony Ridge has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement, border security, and the challenges faced by communities with large undocumented populations. Supporters of stricter immigration policies point to the arrests as evidence of the need for enhanced enforcement measures and border control. They argue that the presence of undocumented immigrants can strain resources, contribute to crime, and undermine the rule of law.
Critics of the operation, however, express concerns about the potential for civil rights violations and the targeting of entire communities based on immigration status. They argue that a more humane and comprehensive approach to immigration reform is needed, one that addresses the root causes of migration and provides pathways to legal status for those who contribute to society.
The situation in Colony Ridge reflects the complex challenges facing the U.S. immigration system and the ongoing efforts to balance border security with the protection of individual rights and community well-being. The recent law enforcement operation serves as a reminder of the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to find sustainable solutions to the multifaceted issues surrounding immigration.
