Federal immigration officials have reported that several migrants arrested in the Los Angeles area last week had prior criminal records, which include serious offenses like assault and drug-related charges.
On Friday alone, around 45 individuals were detained during immigration and customs enforcement operations. This initiated a series of protests, during which it was alleged that police targeted businesses to apprehend workers. This weekend’s enforcement actions swept through various locations, including two Home Depot stores, a shop in the fashion district, and even a donut shop. The total number of immigrant arrests in the city for the week surpassed 100.
On Friday morning, one man was swiftly returned to Mexico after his arrest at Home Depot. During the demonstrations that followed, David Fuerta, the union president, was detained for allegedly obstructing federal agents.
At a warehouse in the fashion district, agents executed a search warrant on Friday. This was based on a judge’s ruling that the employer might have been using fake documentation for some employees, according to Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesperson for the U.S. immigration office.
Amid these events, President Trump remarked about the California State Guard’s involvement, describing a two-day clash between protesters and federal agents, who were equipped for riots.
Among those arrested was Roland Venellasion Enriquez, a 55-year-old from the Philippines. His past criminal activity includes a robbery conviction in Ontario, California, for which he served four years, as well as serious charges in Pomona that resulted in a 37-year sentence. He was apprehended on Saturday and issued a notice for a court appearance.
Another individual, Jose Gregorio Medlanda Ortiz, a 42-year-old from Ecuador, was detained on Friday. His criminal background features an 11-year sentence for conspiracy related to the possession of over five kilograms of cocaine on a ship in Tampa, Florida.
Armando Ordaz, a 44-year-old from Mexico, was also arrested on Friday. Being an active gang member of Bratz 13, he has a history that includes sexual assault charges in Los Angeles, which led to a 135-day sentence and five years of probation. His other sentences include 90 days for possessing known stolen property and one year for a minor theft conviction.
Victor Mendoza Aguilar, a 32-year-old from Mexico, was arrested the same day. His previous sentences in Pasadena include 16 months for drug possession and other charges that resulted in multiple prison terms. He is known as a member of the Villa Boys Gang and was previously barred from re-entering the U.S. in 2017.
Delfino Aguilar-Martinez, a 51-year-old Mexican national, was also taken into custody. His criminal record consists of assault with a deadly weapon, which resulted in a one-year prison sentence.
Finally, 26-year-old Jesus Alan Hernandez Morales from Mexico was removed from the U.S. on Saturday; his crimes included a conspiracy related to transporting undocumented immigrants in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for which he served 239 days.
Lionel Sanchez-Laguna, 55, was arrested on Tuesday. His criminal history in Orange City includes various charges related to firearm misuse and domestic violence, culminating in multiple sentences and probation periods.
