Federal immigration enforcement agents conducted an operation at a Home Depot parking lot in Sacramento, California, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. Among those detained, Border Patrol officials confirmed that five had prior criminal histories, with three identified as convicted felons. The operation, which took place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, has drawn significant attention and controversy.
According to Bill Melugin, a national correspondent who rode along with Border Patrol, records checks on one Mexican national arrested during the Home Depot operation revealed an extensive criminal history. This individual's rap sheet included convictions for "battery on spouse" and "sex with a minor (+ or - 3 yrs.)" in 2004. Further convictions in 2005 and 2006 included "carry a concealed dirk/dagger" and multiple felony drug offenses, such as "possession of controlled substance" and "possession of narcotics; receive stolen property; possession of MJ for sale." The individual also had a 2007 felony conviction for "1st degree burglary."
This detailed criminal background adds to previous reports of other individuals with significant criminal records apprehended during the same operation. Earlier reports highlighted the arrest of Javier Dimas-Alcantara, a Mexican national with 67 prior jail bookings in California since 1986, including a fentanyl trafficking conviction. The Border Patrol's El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino had previously stated his agency's commitment to prioritizing the removal of criminal illegal immigrants.
The Sacramento operation, conducted by U.S. Border Patrol agents, occurred approximately 500 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, sparking questions about jurisdiction and the agency's presence in areas typically associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Local officials and community members, including Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, have expressed concerns, with some describing the raids as a violation of civil rights, particularly in a region that identifies as a sanctuary area.
Despite the controversy, Border Patrol officials maintain that such operations are part of their ongoing efforts to interdict illegal activity and safeguard national security. Agents are reportedly continuing to run checks on the remaining individuals arrested during the Home Depot operation.