Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 118 undocumented immigrants in California, specifically in the sanctuary counties of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Some of these individuals have criminal histories, including offenses related to sexual crimes, drunk driving, and child exploitation.
Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed that “ICE has concluded 2025 with Operation Surge in California focusing on the most serious offenders among undocumented immigrants.” She mentioned, “The operation resulted in the arrest of 118 individuals, including sex offenders, pedophiles, domestic abusers, and habitual drunk drivers.”
The ICE initiative took place between December 26 and 31, 2025, leading to the capture of individuals such as Juan Perez Tero and Rogelio Sánchez Hidalgo.
Hidalgo, 41, originally from Mexico, is a registered sex offender with a history of lewd acts involving a child under 14. He also has a conviction for illegal re-entry into the U.S.
Another individual, Tello, 42, also from Mexico, was similarly convicted of inappropriate conduct with a minor and is on the sex offender registry.
Other individuals apprehended during this ICE operation include:
Gabino Najera Romano, 39, from Mexico, convicted of assault.
Victor Alfonso Graciano-Quiterio, 40, from Mexico, with multiple convictions including assault, drug possession, and violations related to domestic violence.
Filemon Diego Francisco, 38, convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and making threats.
Raymundo Bojorges Mendez, 47, from Mexico, has four DUI convictions and one for driving on a suspended license.
Misael Amador Cruz, 41, from Mexico, convicted of DUI, hit and run, and other offenses.
Marcelino Martinez Francisco, 36, from Mexico, has various DUI convictions and additional charges pending including injury to a child.
Julio Cesar Tadeo Lopez, 32, also from Mexico, was convicted of serious DUI offenses and associated hit-and-run incidents.
Anatoli Clavijo-Urbano, 46, was convicted of second-degree robbery.
Jose Miguel Pineda Garcia, 44, convicted of alien smuggling.
McLaughlin expressed that undocumented immigrants are increasingly coming to California because they believe officials, including Governor Newsom, will protect them at the expense of American families.
She concluded by stating, “In 2026, law enforcement will continue the work that Governor Newsom seems unwilling to do: restore safety in California.”
