Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) voiced strong reactions to recent ICE arrests of illegal immigrants charged with child sex offenses. In a Monday press release, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced it had arrested 214 individuals in the Houston area over the past six months, all either charged or convicted of sex crimes involving minors. The operation highlighted ongoing enforcement efforts under the Trump administration.

Fetterman, often critical of ICE’s broader tactics, supported the arrests. “I do fully support moves like these. This makes our nation more secure and all our children safer,” he posted on X. Luna, by contrast, pushed for more severe penalties. “Skip deportation. Go directly to the death penalty. Do not pass go,” she wrote in a statement echoing public outrage over child exploitation crimes.

Among the arrested was Jose Guadalupe Meza, a 40-year-old Mexican national and four-time deported criminal. ICE reported that Meza had prior convictions for theft and sexual assault of a child. He was removed to Mexico just one day after his latest arrest on June 24, showcasing ICE’s swift action under current policy directives.

The arrests came as the Trump administration continues its aggressive stance on immigration and border enforcement. While Fetterman previously supported ICE’s mission to handle dangerous criminals, he joined other Democrats in opposing the “Big, Beautiful Bill” that would increase funding for ICE and complete the southern border wall.

Separately, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism over her handling of the July 4 floods in Texas. Local officials mocked her in leaked texts, referring to her as “Homeland Barbie.” While Democrats blamed FEMA’s weakened response on Trump-era staffing decisions, Noem defended the administration, citing the rapid deployment of federal rescue teams.