ICE Arrests 38 Immigrants at Construction Sites After Operation in El Paso

• 38 Arrests in Targeted ICE Operation
• Three Minor Workers Rescued
• Fugitives and Convicted Individuals Detained

A targeted immigration enforcement operation led to dozens of arrests along the border.

Officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in El Paso, in coordination with law enforcement partners, arrested 38 undocumented foreign nationals.

The operation was carried out between January 11 and January 19, according to ICE.GOV.

ICE El Paso Construction Raid Nets 38 Arrests

FIRST ON FOX: 3 children illegally put to work were rescued and 38 illegal aliens were arrested by ICE El Paso during a nine day targeted operation at three construction sites in El Paso, Texas, and Santa Teresa. ICE says the opp took place between Jan. 11 and 19 and stemmed from… pic.twitter.com/xiJuz1XJdh

— Brooke Taylor (@Brooketaylortv) February 24, 2026

Authorities reported that those detained included fugitives, convicted criminal noncitizens, and individuals accused of illegal reentry.

During the operation, agents also located and rescued three minors who were allegedly working illegally in construction.

Coordinated Operation in Texas and New Mexico

The enforcement effort lasted nine days.

According to officials, it was based on intelligence gathered in December.

ICE officers detained 38 undocumented immigrants at three construction sites located in El Paso and Santa Teresa.

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Among those arrested were four individuals accused of illegal reentry.

Illegal reentry is considered a felony offense. Two ICE fugitives were also taken into custody.

Both had final orders of removal. Authorities stated that the arrests were part of routine and ongoing enforcement actions.

Rescue of Minors at Construction Sites

During the operation, agents encountered three undocumented minors. The teenagers were 15, 16, and 17 years old.

They were allegedly working illegally at various construction sites.

ICE reported that the minors were transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

That office operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Officials emphasized that the discovery occurred during inspections at the targeted locations.

Criminal Histories and Official Statements

Of the 38 individuals arrested by ICE, eight had prior criminal convictions.

Reported offenses included assault causing bodily injury to a family member.

There were also cases involving driving while intoxicated.

Additionally, some individuals were identified as fugitives.

Authorities detained one person with an outstanding warrant for deceptive trade practices.

That individual was turned over to local police.

An immigration detainer was also issued.

The acting field office director of ICE El Paso, Joel García, commented on the operation.

“We will continue to aggressively pursue criminal investigations and enforce immigration laws to preserve national and public safety,” García stated.

“These routine and ongoing operations and arrests underscore ICE’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. immigration laws and threaten the safety of our communities,” he added.

Officials reiterated that the operation targeted individuals with irregular immigration status.

The enforcement action concluded on January 19 after nine days of coordinated activities, marking the latest ICE El Paso construction raid in the region.