The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a 10-count indictment against five individuals from Mexico, who are in the country illegally, for their involvement in a significant methamphetamine production and distribution operation in California. The two main figures in this operation were reportedly released under the current administration’s catch-and-release policy after crossing the border unlawfully.
This week, the Department of Justice detailed charges against four men and one woman from Mexico, focusing on conspiracy related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. Those indicted include:
- Luis Reyes Carrillo, 33
- Mariana Vanessa Mendoza Camacho, 33 (Carrillo’s spouse)
- Juan Jose Manriquez Diaz, 31
- Alvaro Rosales, 44
- Manuel Juan Madrid Perez, 38
Luis Reyes Carrillo and his wife crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2021 and were given a court notice before their release. According to reports, this catch-and-release practice, which began during the Obama administration, has been reinstated under President Biden. Government sources claimed at the time that the measure was necessary due to insufficient detention space.
Further, authorities disclosed that Manriquez Diaz was previously deported in 2018, as was Rosales, in 2024; both managed to re-enter California unlawfully.
The current drug investigation reportedly began in October 2025 when officials became aware of a large methamphetamine manufacturing operation in a secluded part of Calaveras County. During the investigation, five individuals were identified as key players in the operation.
In February 2026, law enforcement executed three separate raids in California to dismantle this operation. One of the raids uncovered a significant lab and resulted in the seizure of 1,430 pounds of meth, alongside 1,270 pounds of meth in a partially processed state.
In two additional searches, authorities recovered another 300 pounds of meth, along with firearms, 1,900 marijuana plants, and various bundles of marijuana.
