In a recent operation targeting individuals with criminal records, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended Mitieli Takitaki Jr., a Tongan national residing in Hawaii.
Takitaki has felony convictions over the past decade for drug offenses, robbery, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The arrest occurred around noon on Sunday in the Kapahulu neighborhood of Oahu. Residents reported seeing two unmarked vans with ICE agents taking a neighbor into custody.
Some neighbors expressed surprise and concern. “I didn’t know his status if he was a citizen or what his situation was, but he is a nice guy,” said Shawn Logan, a neighbor.
Another resident, Marissa Claire, commented, “Really, really nice guy. Beautiful family. It definitely feels like there has been a death in our community at [the] apartment complex.”
Attorney Gary Singh, representing several individuals arrested that day, noted, “Their top priorities right now are individuals with final removal orders or those who have criminal convictions.”
This arrest is part of a broader national initiative under President Donald Trump’s administration to intensify immigration enforcement, focusing on individuals with criminal histories.
In response to the heightened enforcement, Hawaii’s Attorney General Anne Lopez stated, “Hawaii and my department will not participate in any activities with the federal government if, in doing so, we are not enforcing the rule of law.”
Advocacy groups are advising immigrants to remain calm and be aware of their rights. Sandy Ma from The Legal Clinic emphasized, “Right now, we want people to remain calm, to go about their daily [lives], and to know your rights.”