Patrick
TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), working jointly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has taken 10 undocumented individuals into federal custody following coordinated enforcement actions carried out in October and November.
These detentions were conducted through the 287(g) program, which authorizes selected KBI agents to perform limited immigration enforcement duties under ICE oversight.
Kobach emphasized the significance of the program, stating that without the state’s participation, “these dangerous individuals would still be living within Kansas communities, hidden in plain sight.”
Serious Criminal Backgrounds Identified
According to officials, each detained individual had previously been convicted of major criminal offenses, ranging from violent crimes to drug-related charges. These convictions include:
- Second-degree murder
- Indecent liberties with a child (ages 14–16)
- Annoying or molesting a minor under 18 (California statute)
- Aggravated battery
- Distribution of narcotics, including opioids and heroin
- Aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm
- Cultivation and distribution of controlled substances
The individuals originate from Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
KBI Director Tony Mattivi stated that all offenders had been tried and convicted for sex crimes, drug offenses, or violent acts, underscoring that non-citizens who commit serious crimes should not remain in Kansas communities.
Arrest Locations and Timeline
The detentions occurred between Oct. 24 and Nov. 14, with operations taking place in:
- Hutchinson
- Newton
- Garden City
- Dodge City
Individuals Detained
KBI agents apprehended the following individuals:
- Jose Luis Gomez Sr. (Mexico) – Distribution of opiates/narcotics
- Alonzo Mendez (Mexico) – Indecent liberties with a child (14–16)
- Gilberto Taracena Monte (Guatemala) – Annoying/molesting a minor under 18
- Diego Nevarez (Mexico) – Multiple heroin distribution/possession cases
- Jose Rivera-Avila (Mexico) – Aggravated assault; criminal firearm discharge
- Bashir Omar (Somalia) – Second-degree intentional murder
- Nigisti Geberemedehni Beyene (Ethiopia) – Aggravated battery
- Yuliesky Hernandez-Padron (Cuba) – Aggravated robbery
- Jose Eduardo Garcia-Peralta (Mexico) – Distribution of opiates/narcotics
- Ramiro Erik Flores-Hernandez (Mexico) – Cultivation/distribution of controlled substances
All individuals were transferred to ICE custody, where they now face federal immigration proceedings, including potential removal from the United States.
About the 287(g) Agreement
The KBI entered into the 287(g) partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in February. The program—authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act—allows a select number of state agents to:
- Serve and execute warrants related to immigration violations
- Issue immigration detainers
- Assist ICE in identifying removable non-citizens involved in criminal activity
A limited number of KBI personnel underwent comprehensive ICE training before assuming these responsibilities.
Kansas officials say the latest operations highlight the importance of strong state-federal collaboration in addressing threats posed by non-citizens with violent or serious criminal histories.
Through the 287(g) program, KBI agents can support ICE in identifying and detaining individuals who pose risks to public safety, ensuring that dangerous offenders are not allowed to remain in Kansas communities.