DHS Reports Arrests of Over 10,000 Illegal Immigrants in Los Angeles
The Department of Homeland Security has revealed that since June, more than 10,000 undocumented immigrants—including individuals with serious criminal backgrounds—have been apprehended in Los Angeles. This comes despite significant protests against ICE operations and resistance from local politicians who advocate for sanctuary laws.
According to DHS, the enforcement initiative, which commenced in June, has been deemed “successful,” even in the face of violent protests where law enforcement faced physical attacks, including objects being thrown at them. Local laws in Los Angeles and California generally restrict collaboration between state officials and ICE.
The operation has encountered considerable resistance from California’s political leaders, such as Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. State lawmakers enacted legislation, endorsed by Newsom, that restricts federal immigration enforcement in sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, while also prohibiting employees from hiding their faces.
Amidst this, DHS reported ongoing arrests within Los Angeles. Among those taken into custody was Mohamed Chekchekani, an undocumented immigrant from Kenya with a criminal record involving racketeering and theft. Additionally, Rene Reyes Miranda, a Cuban immigrant, was arrested for sexual offenses against minors, among other crimes.
Another individual, Alireza Hashemi from Iran, has a troubling history of serious offenses, including rape and violent assault. There were other notable arrests, such as that of Juan Carlos Tamayo, a Mexican national linked to murder-related crimes, and Yonique Terres Sosa, also from Mexico, who has been deported five times.
Furthermore, two illegal Armenian immigrants, Ambartsom Pogosium and Akop Jack Kantorosian, face serious charges including murder and identity theft.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted that the arrests illustrate the effectiveness of their operations, stating that many of those apprehended were violent criminals. She criticized local politicians for their negative rhetoric regarding law enforcement. McLaughlin asserted that the safety of California communities is enhanced, attributing it to the removal of these individuals from the streets.
In response, Governor Newsom’s spokesperson condemned the DHS approach as “a cruel game,” suggesting it leads to unjust targeting and socially damaging repercussions for immigrants. They insisted that the DHS is not only apprehending undocumented individuals but also adversely affecting American citizens, particularly hard-working families.
Further complicating matters, a spokesperson for Mayor Bass raised concerns over the DHS’s enforcement practices, referencing past deportations of military veterans and raising questions about the fairness of the current system.
