Border Patrol agents recently made a significant arrest during an immigration enforcement operation in Michigan, capturing a notorious criminal with deep ties to a major Mexican cartel. The arrest of Melquiades Salgado-Garza, described as the “leader of hitmen” for the Gulf Cartel, highlights the Trump administration’s commitment to removing dangerous individuals from the U.S. and prioritizing public safety by focusing on illegal immigrants who pose a serious threat to American citizens.
The Detroit Sector Border Patrol Chief, John Morris, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), announcing the apprehension of Salgado-Garza, who is said to have a criminal history spanning multiple felony charges. Morris explained that Salgado-Garza was not only an illegal immigrant but also a key member of the Gulf Cartel, where he allegedly served as a lead hitman. His criminal background includes serious charges such as burglary, forgery, and immigration violations. Morris wrote, “Gibraltar agents along with law enforcement partners arrested Melquiades Salgado-Garza, a leader of hitmen with the Gulf cartel. Salgado’s criminal history includes felony charges for burglary, forgery, and immigration. Our agents are making our communities safer.”
The arrest comes as the Trump administration has continued its push to remove individuals from the country who have criminal backgrounds or associations with dangerous organizations, aligning with President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement agenda. The focus on public safety and the removal of illegal immigrants involved in violent crime is central to the administration’s priorities.
In a related development, the U.S. Border Patrol announced another notable arrest in Michigan involving a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. The agency’s Facebook post revealed that agents in Sault Sainte Marie, MI, apprehended a Venezuelan gang member who was attempting to retrieve a previously seized vehicle. The individual, who had ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, was subsequently turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for removal from the country. The post also noted, “So far in FY25, USBP has apprehended 174 illegal aliens with gang affiliations. Our agents remain relentless in keeping dangerous criminals out of our communities.”
The involvement of dangerous gang members like those from Tren de Aragua is a concern for law enforcement, as these organizations have been linked to various illegal activities, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes. The Border Patrol’s efforts to apprehend gang members and other dangerous individuals reflect their ongoing commitment to securing U.S. borders and ensuring that those who pose a threat to public safety are removed from the country.
Additionally, Chief Morris shared another arrest in Michigan, this time involving an illegal immigrant from Mexico who had been apprehended multiple times. According to Morris, the individual had been arrested 10 times since 1999 for illegal entry into the U.S. “Marysville agents arrested an illegal alien from Mexico yesterday who has been arrested 10 times since 1999 for entering the U.S. illegally. He will be processed for removal from the United States,” Morris wrote on X. This case highlights the ongoing challenge of repeat offenders and the importance of holding individuals accountable for repeatedly violating immigration laws.
Chief Michael W. Banks, head of the U.S. Border Patrol, also noted the significant progress the agency has made under the Trump administration. In a recent statement, Banks celebrated a 91% decrease in Border Patrol apprehensions from the same week last year. He attributed this sharp decline to increased efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and streamline the process for removing illegal immigrants already within the country. “What a difference a year makes! USBP apprehensions decreased by 91% from the same 7-day period last year. This sharp decline reflects real progress in securing our borders and enforcing the law. By stopping the flow at the border, we also streamline the removal of illegal entrants already in the country, reinforcing the integrity of our immigration system,” Banks wrote.
This decline in apprehensions comes as the Trump administration continues to focus on stricter border enforcement, including the construction of barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, and the prioritization of deporting individuals with criminal histories or gang affiliations. The administration has also faced significant pushback from immigration advocates, who argue that such enforcement tactics are inhumane and disproportionately affect immigrant communities.
Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan addressed reports of a possible leak from within the FBI that allegedly tipped off members of the Tren de Aragua gang about law enforcement operations. According to Homan, the individual responsible for the leak will be held accountable. “I think it’s important that those responsible for leaking sensitive information to criminal organizations be investigated thoroughly and face consequences,” Homan said, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to maintain the integrity of their operations and protect the safety of the American public.
The arrest of Salgado-Garza, along with other recent border enforcement actions, underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing commitment to combating illegal immigration and criminal activity at the U.S. border. As enforcement measures continue to ramp up, both supporters and critics of the administration’s immigration policies are closely watching the impact these actions have on national security, public safety, and the broader immigration debate in the U.S.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
