In June, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Cristian Alberto Rivas-Escalante, a 29-year-old El Salvadoran national with an outstanding fugitive warrant from his home country. The arrest occurred at a work site on Marco Island, Florida, and was part of ongoing efforts under President Donald Trump’s directive to remove criminal aliens from the U.S.
Rivas-Escalante, classified as a “criminal alien,” is allegedly linked to the 18th Street Gang, a group known for its violent activities and rivalry with MS-13, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to ICE officials, Rivas-Escalante entered the U.S. illegally near Hidalgo, Texas, in December 2015. Although apprehended by Border Patrol, he was later granted bond by an immigration judge, allowing him to remain in the community during legal proceedings.
His arrest was carried out by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Fugitive Operations Team, with support from Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Marco Island Police Department. Authorities emphasized that this was not a broad immigration raid but a targeted operation due to his criminal history.
ICE’s increased enforcement under Trump’s administration has led to a sharp rise in detentions, with over 51,000 individuals held as of June 1—well over the agency’s funded capacity. The expansion follows the recent passage of the Big, Beautiful Bill, which granted ICE tens of billions in additional funding to support such operations.
Rivas-Escalante is expected to undergo immigration proceedings in U.S. custody before ultimately being deported and handed over to Salvadoran authorities. Meanwhile, Arizona State Senator Analise Ortiz faces backlash after allegedly warning residents about ICE activity. A DHS official said her actions may amount to obstruction of justice.
