U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Thursday that it has arrested several alleged undocumented migrants who were previously convicted of various crimes. The announcement coincides with the one-year anniversary of the agency relaunching its victim support initiative, the VOICE Office.
Officials noted that the arrests and convictions described in the announcement have not been independently verified, and ICE did not provide full details about the timing or scope of the operations.
VOICE Program Relaunch and Purpose
The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office was relaunched on April 10, 2025. The program is designed to provide resources and support to victims of crimes committed by undocumented migrants and their families.
VOICE was originally created in 2017 during the first administration of Donald Trump. It was later replaced in 2021 under the administration of Joe Biden with a broader initiative called the Victims Engagement and Services Line, which aimed to serve all victims regardless of immigration status.
Details of Reported Arrests
ICE stated that multiple arrests were made Wednesday involving individuals previously convicted of crimes such as assault, robbery, and injury to a child. However, the agency did not clarify whether these individuals were newly arrested or transferred from local custody, nor did it provide specific dates of conviction.
Among the individuals cited by ICE:
- Juan Lorenzo Hurtado-Flores (Peru) — convicted of obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and injury to a child in White Plains, New York
- Vu Nguyen (Vietnam) — convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in Pasadena, California
- Omar Alexander Rodriguez-Grande (El Salvador) — convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Harris County, Texas
- Oscar Fransisco (Guatemala) — convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Palm Beach, Florida
- Josue Coreas-Chavez (El Salvador) — convicted of robbery in Riverhead, New York
ICE did not disclose the total number of arrests nationwide connected to this announcement.
Government Response and Messaging
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that enforcement actions are focused on public safety.
Officials stated that ICE continues to prioritize individuals with criminal convictions, framing the operations as part of broader efforts to protect communities and support victims.
When the VOICE program was relaunched, ICE leadership said the initiative was intended to ensure victims receive assistance and that their experiences are acknowledged.
Policy Differences Between Administrations
The evolution of the VOICE Office reflects broader differences in immigration policy priorities between administrations.
Under the Biden administration, the replacement program—the Victims Engagement and Services Line—was designed to expand access to victim services regardless of immigration status. Former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that all individuals should be able to seek help without fear.
The Trump administration’s relaunch of VOICE shifted the focus back specifically to victims of crimes involving undocumented migrants.
Summary of Key Points
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) |
| Program | VOICE Office (relaunched April 2025) |
| Focus | Support for victims of crimes involving undocumented migrants |
| Arrests | Multiple individuals with prior convictions |
| Verification | Arrest details not independently confirmed |
| Policy shift | From broader victim services to targeted program |
The announcement by ICE highlights both enforcement activity and the renewed focus on the VOICE program. While officials frame the arrests as part of efforts to improve public safety and support victims, questions remain about transparency and verification of the cases cited.
The issue also reflects ongoing debates over immigration enforcement, victim support services, and how federal programs should balance inclusivity with targeted policy goals.
