On December 24 and 25, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted operations resulting in the arrest of individuals identified as having significant criminal histories. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, these arrests targeted individuals described as 'gang members, murderers, drug traffickers, and violent thugs.' The operations were framed as efforts to enhance public safety during a time when many families were celebrating the holidays.

The individuals arrested included illegal immigrants from various countries, including Mexico, Cuba, Somalia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Sudan, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, all of whom had prior criminal convictions. Notable arrests included:

- Samuel Juarez-Cruz from Mexico, convicted of criminal homicide and conspiracy to commit criminal homicide in Pennsylvania.
- Miguel Gonzalez-Toledo from Cuba, convicted of homicide and drug trafficking offenses in Florida.
- Mohamed Hassan Jeylani from Somalia, with multiple convictions including stolen vehicle possession and drug-impaired driving.
- Lionel Arevalo-Rubio, an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, convicted of robbery in Los Angeles.
- Juan David Vazquez-Reyes from Mexico, convicted of death by auto or vessel in New Jersey.
- Marcos Archila-Aquino from Guatemala, convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon in Utah.
- Juan Zarzoza-Garza from Mexico, convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas.
- Yasir Emilio Lohai Ojok from Sudan, convicted of second-degree burglary in California.
- Leonardo Miliano from the Dominican Republic, convicted of illegal firearm possession in Massachusetts.
- Jose Arena-Ojeda from Venezuela, convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens in Texas.

McLaughlin expressed gratitude for law enforcement's commitment, noting the sacrifices made by agents during the holiday season. The DHS also reported that over 2.5 million illegal immigrants have departed the U.S. since President Donald Trump resumed office, attributing this to a comprehensive immigration enforcement strategy aimed at securing the U.S. border.