The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Sunday released information on 11 individuals arrested as part of deportation raids in Los Angeles, with the agency labeling them as “the worst of the worst illegal alien criminals.”
Newsweek has reached out to DHS for further comment by email outside of normal business hours on Sunday.
Why It Matters
The Trump administration has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, some of which have swept up individuals with proper documentation.
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday evening that he had authorized the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after reported violence against law enforcement, specifically, ICE agents carrying out deportation raids in the city.
While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency “categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles.”
The raids in Paramount, Los Angeles County, followed similar action in locations through other parts of the city on Friday, during which police arrested at least 44 people. Some protesters have thrown rocks at officers, with one allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail, and burning items in the streets. Police responded with tear gas.
The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority.
What To Know
DHS released information about 11 individuals, including their country of origin and alleged crimes, some of which they have been charged with. All of the individuals are male and listed as illegal aliens who have committed crimes in California.
These are just 11 of the hundreds arrested by ICE as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
They include:
- A 49-year-old man from Vietnam with a criminal history including a conviction for second-degree murder, originally sentenced to 15 years to life.
- A 55-year-old man from the Philippines with a criminal history of burglary in Ontario, California, and sexual penetration with a foreign object with force and assault with intent to commit rape in Pomona, California. He faced four and 37 years in prison, respectively.
- A 55-year-old man from Mexico with a criminal history of discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling and vehicle with a sentence of 365 days in jail; battery on spouse or cohabitant with a sentence of four years of probation; willful cruelty to a child with a sentence of four years of probation; driving under the influence with a sentence of 10 days in jail; assault with semi-automatic firearm with a sentence of three years in jail; and personal use of a firearm with a sentence of three years in jail.
- A 44-year-old from Mexico with a criminal history including sexual battery with a sentence of 135 days in jail and five years of probation, receiving known or stolen property with a sentence of 90 days in jail and three years of probation, and petty theft with a sentence of 365 days in jail and four years of probation.
- A 38-year-old from Mexico with a criminal history that includes arrests for grand theft larceny and possession of a prohibited weapon.
- A 42-year-old from Ecuador with a criminal history that includes conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more cocaine while on board a vessel in Tampa, Florida, with a sentence of 135 months in prison.
- A 32-year-old from Mexico with a criminal history including a conviction for possessing unlawful paraphernalia with a sentence of 112 days jail, possessing controlled substances with a sentence of 16 months in jail, assault with a deadly weapon: not firearm with a sentence of four years in jail; and obstructing a public officer with a sentence of 364 days in jail.
- A 51-year-old from Mexico with a criminal history including assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury with a sentence of 365 days in jail.
- A 43-year-old from Peru with a criminal history that includes a conviction for robbery that resulted in a 10-year sentence.
- A 32-year-old from Honduras with a criminal history that includes arrests for distribution of heroin and cocaine and domestic violence.
- A 26-year-old from Mexico with a criminal history that includes conspiracy to transport an illegal alien with a sentence of 239 days in jail.
What People Are Saying
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a press release said: “Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens? These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets. Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement on Saturday: “In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.”
She added: “The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”
Senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “Deport the invaders, or surrender to insurrection. These are the choices.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom on X following Trump’s National Guard announcement: “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.”
He added: “The Guard has been admirably serving LA throughout recovery. This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
What Happens Next?
Protests have continued into Sunday after the National Guard arrived in Los Angeles and deployed to federal buildings around the city, including the Civic Center area, the LAPD’s Central Division said.
The post ICE Highlights Arrest of Accused Murderer Amid Los Angeles Protests appeared first on Newsweek.
