Filipina among those arrested in US ICE New Year operations

NEW YORK - A Filipina was among those arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operatives during operations conducted on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The US Department of Homeland Security Office of Public Affairs identified the Filipina as Karen Empaynado, who had previously been convicted of burglary, grand theft, and battery in Deltona, Florida.

Also included among those arrested in the US Homeland Security operation this first month of 2026 were illegal aliens from Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.

Those arrested will be placed under removal proceedings.

Based on data from the Department of Homeland Security, more than half a million illegal aliens have been arrested from January 20 to December 10, 2025, including undocumented Filipinos. —KG, GMA Integrated News