During the operation, the task force arrested Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, a Mexican national linked to the Sinaloa Cartel with a history of violent offenses, and Jose Escobar-Robles, an illegal immigrant involved in laundering money for cartels. Escobar-Robles attempted to shield his face with a Croc shoe, prompting Noem to quip, “You’re not scaring me with your Croc,” before assuring him that he would face prosecution for his crimes.
The final arrest was of Luis Garcia-Sanchez, who had ties to the 18th Street Gang and had been ordered removed from the U.S. twice. Despite his criminal history, Garcia-Sanchez expressed regret for his past actions, particularly regarding the impact on his children. Noem, however, urged him to face the consequences of his choices, advising him to set a better example for his family.
