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ICE Arrests Criminal Illegal Alien Convicted of Child Cruelty and Other Crimes in New Jersey

By George Mcgregor
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Booking photo of Efren Cortez-Velez, a Mexican national arrested by ICE and held pending deportation proceedings.
Booking photograph of Efren Cortez-Velez, a Mexican national taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a targeted enforcement operation. ICE officials said Cortez-Velez has prior convictions in New Jersey, including child cruelty and resisting arrest. He is currently being held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

NEWARK, NJ – On Sunday, December 28th, 2025, ICE arrested Efren Cortez-Velez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who was convicted of child cruelty, criminal trespassing and resisting arrest in Passaic, New Jersey. He is now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Despite the constant rhetoric from politicians, activists and the media claiming that ICE is somehow wrong for doing its constitutionally mandated mission, the reality is that we’re out there arresting people like Efren Cortez-Velez – a criminal who entered this country illegally and was convicted of victimizing a vulnerable child,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “ICE officers and agents are facing a 1,347% increase in assaults, and they’re receiving 8,000% more death threats than they did compared to this time last year, but they’re still showing up every day to take the worst of the worst out of our communities and make America safe again.”

On March 9, 2007, New Jersey’s Passaic Police Department arrested Cortez-Velez for criminal trespass and resisting arrest. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 10 and paid a $377 fine. Then, on Dec. 25 that same year, he was arrested again for endangering a child. He pleaded guilty April 24, 2008, to abuse, abandonment, cruelty and neglect and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Despite being convicted of these crimes, this criminal illegal alien remained at large in the United States, posing a threat to Americans until he was finally arrested by ICE Newark officers during a targeted enforcement operation this year. Thanks to their good work, this criminal will no longer be able to endanger American communities.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s public safety mission on X at @ICEgov.

Key Facts and Details

CategoryDetails
AgencyU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
DefendantEfren Cortez-Velez
NationalityMexico
Immigration StatusUnlawfully present in the United States
Arrest DateDecember 28
Arresting OfficeICE Newark Field Office
Arrest LocationNew Jersey
Current StatusIn ICE custody
ProceedingsPending removal (deportation) proceedings
Criminal History (Summary)Child cruelty; criminal trespass; resisting arrest
First ArrestMarch 9, 2007 – Passaic Police Department
First ConvictionsCriminal trespass; resisting arrest
Disposition (2007)Guilty plea; $377 fine
Second ArrestDecember 25, 2007 – child endangerment
Convictions (2008)Abuse, abandonment, cruelty, and neglect of a child
Sentence (2008)Six months in jail
Enforcement ActionTargeted ICE operation
Public Safety NoteICE stated arrest removed an individual with a documented criminal history from the community
Tip Line866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
Online TipsICE online tip form
Information SourceICE public statement
Important: This story is categorized as a crime story and thus it is important to note that charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
George Mcgregor

Mr. McGregor is our staff news reporter who focuses primarily on reviewing and editing (if necessary) all media alerts and press releases for Long Island Guide. Media advisories, alerts and press releases can be sent via this online form and, if approved, will be published free of charge. There is no guarantee your release will be published; inclusion is at the discretion of our editors. We receive hundreds of media advisories and news alerts per day and choose a select few for publication. Please see our editorial guidelines and terms of service.

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