Politics

Homeland Security Announces Over 1,000 Arrests in Operation Under Laken Riley Act

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Dec 24, 2025

THE BARE STORY

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday the conclusion of a two-week nationwide initiative called “Operation Angel’s Honor,” resulting in the arrest of more than 1,000 non-citizens. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the operation targeted non-citizens with criminal records under the Laken Riley Act. The operation was named in honor of the student for whom the law is named.

The Laken Riley Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump in January and requires mandatory detention for non-citizens arrested for or charged with certain crimes, including theft, burglary, and serious assault. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that President Trump had empowered the department to pursue "criminal illegal aliens" and that those apprehended would face justice and be removed from the U.S. According to DHS, more than 17,500 individuals have been arrested under the act in 2025.

Officials provided examples of individuals taken into custody during the operation. ICE stated it arrested a man from Mexico for two counts of rape of a child, and that he is now in removal proceedings. DHS also detailed arrests of individuals from multiple countries with prior convictions or charges that it said included assault on a police officer, procuring a minor prostitute, drug distribution, and kidnapping. Agency officials noted that some of those arrested had pre-existing removal orders.

The Laken Riley Act has faced criticism from some immigration advocates. Nayna Gupta, a policy director for the American Immigration Council, stated that the law does not improve public safety. Gupta argued that it forces immigration officers to detain individuals based on an arrest rather than a conviction, potentially affecting those who may not pose a public safety risk. She claimed the act denies individuals due process and gives new powers to state attorneys general over immigration policy.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Grok

• Critics argue the law fails to improve public safety. According to Nayna Gupta, a policy director for the American Immigration Council, the Laken Riley Act does not enhance public safety. This perspective challenges the primary justification for the law put forth by its proponents and government officials.

• The act is accused of denying individuals due process. Gupta claimed that the law denies individuals due process by forcing immigration officers to detain people based on an arrest rather than a conviction. This could affect individuals who may not ultimately pose a risk to public safety.

• The legislation is said to give new powers to state officials over immigration. Immigration advocates, as represented by Gupta in the article, argue that the act gives new powers to state attorneys general over immigration policy. This criticism suggests the law improperly shifts authority in immigration matters.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Increased federal operations are resulting in the arrest and removal of non-citizens with criminal records or charges, which officials state enhances public safety.

• The law mandates detention for non-citizens based on arrest, not conviction, for certain crimes, changing detention standards for thousands of individuals.

• Critics claim the law may give new powers to state attorneys general, potentially altering how immigration policy is enforced at the state level.

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