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Honduran Gang Member Arrested in Orlando Amid Immigration Concerns

Law enforcement agencies conduct operations to ensure public safety and monitor immigration statuses.

News Summary

Aron Morazan-Izaguirre, a deported Honduran gang member affiliated with the 18th Street Gang, was arrested in Orlando, raising alarms about public safety and immigration enforcement. Morazan-Izaguirre’s capture followed an investigation into his activities after being previously deported in 2019. He had attempted to return to the U.S. by applying for a federal visa, triggering concerns among federal investigators. His case highlights ongoing issues with monitoring immigration applications from individuals with criminal histories.

Orlando, Florida

Aron Morazan-Izaguirre, a Honduran gang member affiliated with the notorious 18th Street Gang, was arrested in Orlando last month after being previously deported from the United States in 2019. His capture has raised concerns regarding public safety and immigration law enforcement.

The 28-year-old Morazan-Izaguirre was apprehended on April 25, 2023, near an apartment complex in Orlando during an operation conducted by investigators from the Federal Division of National Security (FDNS). His arrest stemmed from an ongoing investigation into his post-deportation activities and gang affiliations.

Morazan-Izaguirre’s previous deportation occurred after he was arrested by Border Patrol agents in California in 2019. Despite his criminal background and ties to a violent gang, he sought to return to the U.S. by filing an application for a federal visa on January 19, 2025. As part of this visa application, he was required to submit his fingerprints, which subsequently raised alarms among federal investigators regarding his gang connections.

The FDNS has classified Morazan-Izaguirre as an egregious public safety concern due to both his criminal history and his affiliation with the 18th Street Gang, which has a significant presence in Central America and is known for violent criminal activity, including drug trafficking and gang-related violence.

Following his arrest, Morazan-Izaguirre was indicted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a charge of re-entry as a “deported alien.” This charge indicates that he unlawfully returned to the United States after being expelled in 2019, violating the terms of his deportation order.

Background on the 18th Street Gang

The 18th Street Gang, known for its violent behavior and criminal enterprises, has been implicated in numerous illegal activities across the U.S. and Central America. Formed in the 1980s in Los Angeles, it primarily comprises immigrant youth who formed the gang as a means of self-protection amid rising gang violence in their neighborhoods. Over the years, the gang has expanded its reach and now operates in various countries, including Honduras, where Morazan-Izaguirre is originally from.

The gang’s notoriety has made it a central focus for law enforcement agencies who are working to combat the influence of such organizations. Members often seek asylum or legal status in the U.S. to evade criminal charges, making the monitoring of immigration applications a crucial component in maintaining public safety.

Implications of Morazan-Izaguirre’s Arrest

Morazan-Izaguirre’s arrest highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration enforcement and public safety. Authorities emphasize the need for thorough background checks in applications for federal visas and the critical importance of monitoring immigration statuses of individuals with noted criminal histories.

This case underscores a larger issue within the national immigration context, as individuals with serious criminal backgrounds continue to seek re-entry into the United States despite prior deportations. Federal agencies are responding with heightened vigilance to ensure that public safety remains a priority.

As the legal proceedings against Morazan-Izaguirre unfold, his case may serve as a precedent for future immigration-related arrests involving individuals with ties to violent gangs. Federal agencies are expected to further tighten scrutiny on immigration applications, particularly those from individuals with known gang affiliations.