With the City of Austin preparing to revisit its cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the Department of Homeland Security is highlighting illegal aliens recently arrested in the city convicted of crimes such as second-degree murder, rape, and arson.
“No matter how much sanctuary politicians try to obstruct us, the patriots of ICE will keep doing their jobs by arresting and deporting criminal illegal aliens,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
“In the city of Austin, Texas, ICE has arrested murderers, rapists, and arsonists. Sanctuary politicians are failing their constituents by limiting cooperation with ICE. When state, local, and federal partners work together to remove illegal aliens like these, everyone is better off,” he continued.
The compilation includes what the department is calling “the worst illegal aliens recently arrested in Austin”:
Juan Fernando Lara Saavedra, an illegal alien from Honduras, has a second-degree murder conviction in his criminal history. He was arrested on October 29.
David Alejandro Vera Belandia, an illegal alien from Venezuela, has a conviction for second-degree sexual assault. He illegally entered and was released into the country during the Biden administration in 2023 before his arrest on October 15, 2026.
Santiago Lopez Diaz, an illegal alien from Honduras, has a conviction for aggravated battery on a pregnant female. ICE arrested Diaz on November 1.
Alvaro Lopez Ayala, an illegal alien from Mexico, has convictions of indecent assault, aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, marijuana possession, and fraud. He was arrested October 22.
Rogelio Ramos Celedon, an illegal alien from Mexico, has an arson conviction and an arrest for possession of a controlled substance. ICE arrested him October 5.
The DHS compilation of recent arrests follows Austin Mayor Kirk Watson’s request for a rewrite of the policy requiring police cooperation with ICE.
With Hinojosa taking office in January, “Watson said he expects less oversight on Austin’s policies in light of an incoming Democratic administration,” noted KUT News.
