Federal agents in Los Angeles reached a major milestone Tuesday with the 5,000th arrest of a criminal alien in the sanctuary city under the direction of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The arrest highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement stance in liberal jurisdictions that have long resisted cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The 5,000th arrest was of Gustavo Garcia-Miranda, an aggravated felon and convicted drug trafficker from Mexico who had been previously deported. He was taken into custody for illegal re-entry, a crime that could earn him up to 20 years in federal prison. Garcia-Miranda first crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2008.
“Precious lives saved. Families protected. American taxpayers spared the cost of their crimes AND the burden of their benefits,” Noem said in a statement. She praised federal law enforcement for removing gang members, child predators, and murderers from Los Angeles streets.
A DHS video posted on social media showed numerous criminals being taken into custody, with officials declaring, “That is just the beginning.” The arrests come despite opposition from local leaders and violent resistance from rioters who have attempted to obstruct immigration enforcement efforts in the city.
DHS warned that any individual who assaults federal law enforcement officers would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“Secretary Noem has been clear: LA rioters would not stop DHS or slow us down. Our law enforcement will continue to enforce the law,” officials said.
In her statement, Noem reaffirmed the administration’s position: “If you are here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and send you back.”
The coordinated effort marks a clear shift toward prioritizing public safety and restoring the rule of law in communities long plagued by the consequences of open-border policies.
