On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, highlighted a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Sarasota, Florida, targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Among those detained was a Cuban national convicted of homicide.
A statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the detainee as Erick Carlos Artiles Ramos, labeling him as one of the "worst of the worst" apprehended in Central and South Florida. Artiles, an illegal immigrant from Cuba, has been convicted of crimes including homicide, kidnapping, robbery, and DUI, according to DHS records.
ICE's Focus on Criminal Immigrants
Noem asserted that 70% of ICE arrests target illegal immigrants with criminal convictions or charges in the United States. "President Trump deployed ICE to target the most dangerous foreign criminals," she stated during her visit to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
However, official data presents a different narrative. Statistics from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University revealed that as of September 21, 71.5% of those detained by ICE had no criminal record, contradicting the DHS claim that most are convicted criminals.
Transfer to Louisiana Prison
Artiles Ramos is no stranger to U.S. government lists. In September 2025, DHS had mentioned him in a report regarding 51 undocumented immigrants held at Louisiana's state prison, known as the Louisiana Lockup or Angola Prison. At that time, he was described as an "illegal alien from Cuba, convicted of murder-homicide."
This suggests Artiles may have been arrested in Florida and subsequently transferred to Louisiana, where ICE detains many considered highly dangerous.
Florida's Role in Immigration Enforcement
During her visit, Noem praised Florida's cooperation with the federal government under the 287(g) program, which enables local law enforcement to work with ICE in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. "Florida has been the state with the most agreements under section 287(g)," Noem noted. All 67 counties in the state are required to sign these agreements, driven by Republican legislators and supported by Governor Ron DeSantis.
She also defended the Trump administration's voluntary self-deportation program, which offers $1,000 and plane tickets to those who choose to return to their home countries. According to DHS, 1.6 million individuals have self-deported, and over 400,000 have been deported since January.
Key Questions on ICE Arrests and Immigration Policies
What percentage of ICE arrests involve immigrants with criminal records?
According to DHS, 70% of ICE arrests are of immigrants with criminal convictions or charges. However, data from TRAC indicates that 71.5% of those detained by ICE had no criminal record.
What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. Florida has been highly active in this program, with all 67 counties participating.