WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced this week the results of Operation Buckeye, a targeted law-enforcement operation conducted across Ohio in mid-December that led to the arrest of more than 280 people identified as illegal aliens, including individuals alleged to have criminal convictions or charges, federal officials said.
According to DHS, the enforcement operation ran December 16–21, 2025, and focused on individuals described by the agency as posing a threat to public safety because of past criminal activity. The arrests included people accused or convicted of crimes such as aggravated assault against a police officer, robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, and drug trafficking.
Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin praised the operation, saying in a statement that the arrests came “even during the holiday season” and that local communities are safer with those individuals in custody. She referred to many of those apprehended as among the “worst of the worst.”
DHS highlighted several individuals arrested during the operation, identifying them as nationals from countries including Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela and Honduras. Among the names released were:
- Emanuel Guijosa-Nonato of Mexico, whom DHS said had been convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer and other offenses.
- Andres Blanco Hernandez, arrested on assault and domestic violence charges.
- Wilmar Edgardo Lozano-Alcantara of El Salvador, described as convicted of drug possession and robbery.
- Erick Jose Ramos-Boscan of Venezuela, arrested on criminal firearm possession allegations.
- Melvin Alejandro Rodriguez Rodriguez, also from Venezuela, with past assault charges.
- Fernandez Flores of Honduras, whose DHS profile noted a conviction for making a false police report and arrests for larceny and obstructing police.
Operation Buckeye represents one of the larger immigration enforcement efforts in Ohio in recent months, underscoring federal authorities’ continued focus on identifying and apprehending non-citizens with criminal records or outstanding immigration violations.
