MANILA – A Filipina was among at least 10 individuals arrested by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during operations conducted on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (December 31, 2025–January 1, 2026). The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlighted the arrests as part of ongoing enforcement targeting “criminal illegal aliens.”
The Filipina, identified in some reports as Karen Empaynado (33, with a criminal record), was one of several undocumented immigrants detained. Others included three from Mexico, three from Honduras, and one each from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. All face removal proceedings.
The operations align with intensified immigration enforcement in early 2026, focusing on individuals with criminal histories. DHS data indicates over half a million arrests of undocumented immigrants in 2025 alone, including some Filipinos.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is monitoring cases involving Filipinos, with at least 69 reported in US immigration custody as of mid-2025. No immediate details on consular assistance for the latest arrestee were available.
This incident underscores ongoing risks for undocumented Filipinos in the US amid stricter policies.
Arrest Snapshot:
| Nationality | Number Arrested |
|---|---|
| Filipina | 1 |
| Mexico | 3 |
| Honduras | 3 |
| Others (Jamaica, DR, Cuba) | 3 |
| Total | At least 10 |