Kristi Noem Takes to the Streets and Leads ICE Operation That Arrests Murder Fugitive

Arrest of Ecuadorian Fugitive

Joint DHS–ICE Operation

Immigration Enforcement Reinforced in Minnesota

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, took part in an immigration enforcement operation alongside agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis.

The operation concluded with the arrest of Tomás Espín Tapia, an undocumented Ecuadorian immigrant wanted for murder and sexual assault.

Authorities presented the arrest as part of a strategy aimed at removing individuals with serious criminal records from the streets.

DHS stated that the operation is part of a sustained reinforcement of immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota.

Kristi Noem Leads ICE Operation in Minneapolis Against Criminal Fugitives

OFF THE STREETS: DHS Sec. Kristi Noem announces the arrest of an illegal alien in Minneapolis who is wanted for murder and sexual assault in Ecuador. pic.twitter.com/B3W2azkFZp

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 6, 2026

Tomás Espín Tapia was identified by DHS as a fugitive wanted for murder in Ecuador and described as a sexual predator.

According to official information, he entered the United States illegally on October 23, 2022.

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After his unlawful entry, he was released under the Biden administration. It was later determined that he had multiple criminal records.

Among them is an active arrest warrant in Ecuador for murder, as well as a standing arrest warrant in the state of Connecticut for sexual assault.

Arrest of a Fugitive With Active Warrants

Kristi Noem leads ICE operation in Minneapolis – Photo DHS.GOV

Authorities indicated that Espín Tapia also has prior convictions in Ecuador, including crimes related to robbery and extortion.

An immigration judge issued a final order of deportation on February 28, 2025.

The order was issued after the accused failed to appear at his scheduled immigration hearing.

Secretary Noem was present during the operation that led to his capture.

DHS highlighted her participation as a message of direct support for law enforcement agencies.

Statements by Kristi Noem

During the announcement of the arrest, the Homeland Security secretary delivered a forceful message, linking the detention to a shift in policy under the presidency of Donald Trump.

“Under President Trump, we will expose and hold accountable the rampant fraud and criminality happening in Minnesota,” Noem said. She added that those who break the law will not go unpunished.

“They will not steal from Americans and break our laws and walk free,” the official stated.

Her remarks were disseminated as part of an official DHS statement. Noem also emphasized the criminal profile of the detainee.

She described the arrest as removing “another murderer and sexual predator off the streets of Minneapolis.” “We just arrested this undocumented Ecuadorian criminal,” she said.

She reiterated that Espín Tapia had active arrest warrants both in Ecuador and in Connecticut.

The secretary also recalled that he had previously been convicted of robbery and extortion in his home country. These statements were used to reinforce the public safety argument.

Reinforcement of Operations in Minnesota

The Department of Homeland Security reported that it has intensified immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota.

According to official figures, more than 1,000 dangerous criminals have already been arrested.

Those detained include murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members. DHS said the operations are intended to reduce risks to local communities.

Authorities stated that in a single day alone, more than 150 arrests were recorded in Minneapolis, all involving undocumented immigrants.

The case of Tomás Espín Tapia was presented as an example of these actions. DHS affirmed that operations will continue on a sustained basis.

The direct participation of Secretary Noem was highlighted as a political signal, underscoring support for ICE and federal law enforcement.

The department concluded that future operations will remain focused on individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, prioritizing public safety and enforcement of immigration law as central objectives of the Kristi Noem ICE operation Minneapolis.