In a concerted effort to address illegal immigration and enhance public safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with multiple federal law enforcement agencies, conducted **Operation Take Back America** from March 10 to 14, 2025. This targeted enforcement operation led to the arrest of 81 individuals residing illegally in Kentucky, with 25 facing additional criminal charges.
**Operation Overview**
Coordinated out of Louisville, Kentucky, the operation involved ICE working alongside agencies such as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The primary objective was to identify and apprehend individuals violating U.S. immigration laws, particularly those engaged in criminal activities that pose threats to community safety.
**Arrests and Charges**
The 81 individuals arrested during the operation hailed from various countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India, and Palau. Of these, 25 were charged with criminal offenses such as illegal reentry after deportation, possession of firearms by an illegal alien, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Notable arrests include:
– **Moises Archaga-Garcia**, 46, a citizen of Honduras, charged with reentry after deportation. He was previously removed from the U.S. on July 30, 2003.
– **Luis Alberto Torres-Flores**, 35, from El Salvador, also charged with reentry after deportation, having been removed on August 29, 2014.
– **Angel David Zuniga-Baca**, 35, a Honduran national, charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation. He was found with a firearm in Jefferson County and had prior removals on November 16, 2009, and April 25, 2014.
These individuals, along with others facing criminal charges, are subject to prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western and Eastern Districts of Kentucky. Those not charged criminally will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
**Statements from Authorities**
Sam Olson, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago, emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring public safety. He stated, “Operations that lead to the arrest and detention of alien offenders can be complex and may, at times, prove to be challenging. Our agency is more than capable to meet those challenges.” Olson expressed gratitude for the cooperation among federal partners in Kentucky and reiterated the commitment to removing individuals who pose threats to public safety and national security.
**Broader Context**
Operation Take Back America is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing illegal immigration, dismantling transnational criminal organizations, and safeguarding communities from violent criminals. In the same week, federal authorities along the southern U.S. border charged over 840 individuals with immigration-related offenses, highlighting the extensive scope of enforcement actions undertaken to address illegal immigration and associated criminal activities.
**Community Impact**
The arrests made during this operation underscore the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and the necessity for coordinated law enforcement efforts. By targeting individuals with prior deportations and those engaged in criminal conduct, authorities aim to enhance the safety and security of communities across the nation.
**Conclusion**
The successful execution of Operation Take Back America in Kentucky demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement initiatives in addressing illegal immigration and related criminal activities. As these operations continue, they serve as a testament to the commitment of federal agencies to uphold immigration laws and protect public safety.
