Violent Anti-Immigration Assaults Persist in Los Angeles
Amid ongoing violent protests against immigration and customs enforcement in Los Angeles, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared new details regarding illegal immigration operations in the area from the previous week. They described their efforts as tackling the “worst of the worst” offenders on the streets.
In a recent press release, DHS emphasized criticism of California politicians and protesters who they argue protect violent illegal alien criminals, undermining American safety.
“This cold-blooded murderer personifies how the mob attempts to shield American citizens,” they stated.
The report highlighted a mix of illegal immigrants apprehended, including murderers, sex offenders, and those convicted of other violent crimes. Despite facing resistance from over 1,000 protesters in Los Angeles, ICE reported detaining 118 undocumented individuals last week, among them five gang members.
Notable Arrests
1. Cuong Chanh Phan
On Saturday, ICE arrested Cuong Chanh Phan, a 49-year-old Vietnamese man previously convicted of second-degree murder in 1994.
A Los Angeles Times report from that year indicated that Phan was associated with a “multi-ethnic Vietnamese gang.” Following an altercation at a graduation party, Phan and fellow gang members returned armed, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to seven others.
2. Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez
ICE also apprehended 55-year-old Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez, a Filipino national with a history of robbery and other violent crimes.
3. Lionel Sanchez Laguna
Another notable arrest was made for Lionel Sanchez Laguna, a 55-year-old Mexican national with multiple previous convictions surrounding violent crimes and firearm offenses.
4. Armando Ordaz
ICE also detained Armando Ordaz, a 44-year-old man who has served time for sexual assault and possession of stolen property.
5. Francisco Sanchez Arguero
Francisco Sanchez Arguero, a 38-year-old Mexican national with a history of theft and weapons charges, was also arrested.
6. Jose Gregorio Medlanda Ortiz
ICE apprehended 42-year-old Jose Gregorio Medlanda Ortiz from Ecuador, previously convicted for drug-related crimes.
7. Victor Mendoza Aguiler
Victor Mendoza Aguiler, a 32-year-old from Mexico, has a record that includes illegal possession and assault.
8. Delfino Aguilar-Martinez
Delfino Aguilar-Martinez, a 51-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, faced federal immigration agents this week. He served a year in prison previously.
9. Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron
ICE captured Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron, a Peruvian national, who spent ten years in prison for robbery.
10. Jordan Mauricio Meza Esquibel
Jordan Mauricio Meza Esquibel from Honduras was arrested this week and had previous convictions related to drug distribution.
11. Jesus Alan Hernandez Morales
Jesus Alan Hernandez Morales, another Mexican national, was previously sentenced for conspiracy regarding illegal transportation of immigrants.
12. Chrissahdah Tooy
DHS also reported the arrest of Chrissahdah Tooy, a 48-year-old Indonesian, who faced multiple charges including drug offenses.
Summary of DHS’s Actions
DHS highlighted that several of those arrested, including Phan, Veneracion-Enriquez, Sanchez-Arguello, Hernandez-Buitron, Meza-Esquibel, and Tooy, were considered “administratively arrested” by ICE.
“The governor claimed he was ill,” remarked Tricia McLaughlin, deputy director of DHS. She criticized both Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for their stances that, in her view, shield violent illegal immigrants at the cost of American communities. “These brave men and women of ICE continuously work to protect the lives of American citizens,” she added.
