8 Guyanese among those arrested in DHS “worst of the worst” enforcement sweep

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a new enforcement update highlighting the arrest of criminal non-citizens it identified as the “worst of the worst” under expanded deportation directives issued by President Donald Trump.
The list includes several Guyanese nationals who were apprehended during nationwide operations conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to DHS, the individuals were detained as part of targeted actions aimed at locating and removing non-citizens deemed to pose significant risks to public safety and national security.
Among those detained is Kwesi Menezes, who was arrested in Mount Holly, New Jersey. DHS records show that Menezes was convicted of aggravated assault on a Police officer involving strong-arm force.
Dwayne Waithe was arrested in New York City. According to DHS, Waithe has convictions for possession of a weapon, illegal re-entry into the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, marijuana-related offences, and drug trafficking. Another Guyanese national, Mohamed Yusuf, was apprehended in Albany, New York, following a conviction for prostitution and commercial sex offences.
ICE also arrested Rakesh Persuad in Springfield Gardens, New York. Persuad’s criminal history includes convictions for kidnapping, robbery, and cruelty toward a child. In Orlando, Florida, officers detained Ronald Doodnauth, who has been convicted of aggravated assault involving a family member, cruelty toward a child, assault, and burglary.
Harinarine Ramkissoon was arrested in Alden, New York. DHS listed Ramkissoon as having convictions for homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol. Another arrest took place in East Orange, New Jersey, where Deon Watson was taken into custody following a conviction for a sex offence against a child involving fondling.
In Queens Village, New York, ICE officers arrested Vickram Moses, who has an assault conviction.
In a statement accompanying the release, DHS underscored that the enforcement actions are intended to ensure the swift detention and removal of individuals classified as high-risk, stressing that public safety remains the department’s top priority.
The announcement comes amid intensified immigration enforcement efforts across the United States, following directives to expand arrests and removals of undocumented immigrants with criminal histories.