California’s Sanctuary Law and Illegal Alien Releases

Since the beginning of President Trump’s administration, California’s sanctuary policies have led to the release of over 4,500 undocumented individuals into communities instead of handing them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This includes offenders convicted of severe crimes like murder and child sex offenses.

On January 20, 2025, ICE officials revealed that California’s sanctuary state law would facilitate the release of 4,561 undocumented immigrants from prisons and detention centers without federal oversight.

One notable release is Carmelo Corrado Hurtado from Guatemala, who faced charges including first-degree murder, driving under the influence, and second-degree robbery. Despite ICE’s request for his detention, California authorities released him, prompting ICE to later apprehend him in the community.

Other individuals released last year include:

• Hector Grijalva Cernas, a Mexican national arrested for lewd acts with a minor under 14. An immigration detainer request by ICE was ignored, leading to his release. He was ultimately arrested by ICE on May 8, 2025, and is facing prosecution.

• Xujin An, from China, charged with forced sexual penetration and sexual assault, was similarly released despite an ICE request. He was re-arrested on April 15, 2025, and remains in custody.

• Angel Navarro Camarillo, a member of the La Familia gang, had several arrests for sex crimes. After being initially released by local authorities despite ICE detainer requests, he was arrested again by ICE in July 2025 and deported.

• Vicente Centeno-Lugo has a lengthy criminal record spanning 28 years, involving offenses like hit-and-run and child abuse. Despite multiple ICE requests, he was released back into the community.

• Rafael Arturovich Gevorgyan, affiliated with the Armenian Power gang, was previously convicted of serious offenses, including manslaughter. He was released after a detainer request was not honored, but was subsequently arrested by ICE.

• Victor Hernandez Giron, from El Salvador, faced charges including attempted murder and serious assault. After being released against ICE’s wishes, he is now in custody pending legal proceedings.

• Monica Gonzalez Riedel was arrested on multiple counts of child abuse and armed assault but was released despite an immigration hold. She was eventually taken into custody by ICE.

• Sara Hassanzadeh, charged with aggravated assault, was also released despite an ICE request and later apprehended by agents.

• Elvin Joel Centeno Verde, who has a history of drug trafficking, was released after an ICE complaint and subsequently deported on October 27, 2025.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons has urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to consider the implications for the over 33,000 undocumented immigrants currently in state or local custody. Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security commented on the dangerous ramifications of releasing individuals with violent criminal histories into neighborhoods.

McLaughlin asserted that releasing criminals poses a risk to public safety and called for a reassessment of the policies that allow this kind of release. She emphasized that cooperation with ICE is vital for maintaining community safety.