Federal authorities have arrested suspected child molesters, rapists, and murderers in a comprehensive operation aimed at removing numerous criminal illegal immigrants from Southern California.
This initiative, known as “Operation Guardian Angel,” has already led to the detention of 362 previously deported illegal immigrants. It leverages federal laws to navigate California’s contentious “sanctuary state” regulations, which restrict local police from collaborating with immigration officials, even if they wish to do so.
Recently, observers noted federal agents racing from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office at the Roybal Federal Building throughout downtown Los Angeles, particularly focused on extracting criminal immigrants from the infamous Twin Towers prison.
“We are issuing federal warrants in real-time, ensuring that criminal aliens are compelled to surrender before being released from prison,” stated L.A.’s chief federal prosecutor, Bill Esseri. “This will prevent dangerous individuals from returning to the streets.”
Using Operation Guardian Angel, federal authorities can swiftly charge foreign nationals arrested for local crimes with new federal offenses, allowing ICE agents to detain them prior to their release back into society. Local jails are mandated to release illegal immigrant criminals when a federal warrant is presented.
The operation is actively functioning across six Southern California counties under Esseri’s jurisdiction: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
A group of seven migrants captured during the recent operation had recently faced charges for domestic assault, reckless driving that resulted in bodily harm, and illegal possession of firearms. All of them had prior convictions for illegally entering the U.S., rendering them subject to federal charges for reentry.
Some had potential for additional federal crimes, and many possessed extensive criminal records.
Several detainees shared their experiences from the processing center below the Roybal building. Lauro Alberto Rivas, who has a history including arrests for weapons violations and drunk driving, expressed contentment upon being sent back to Mexico. He stated, “I regret what I did. I understand I make mistakes. I want to go home right now. I want to see my family.”
Daniel Garcia had been arrested just 15 days prior for suspected domestic assault. Having previously been deported for illegal entry, he described a clean record otherwise. Garcia mentioned paying a smuggler $10,000 for a dangerous crossing into the U.S. and voiced concern about returning home due to a drug cartel debt.
Raul Aranda Gutierrez was arrested for causing a serious car accident a few days earlier. While Initially charged with felony DUI, his charges were later reduced. “It was an accident,” he maintained, despite a history of drunk driving offenses.
Other detainees processed under Operation Guardian Angel include:
- Jaime Rodriguez Ladesma, 70, who was deported after a conviction for lewd acts with a child.
- Hector Bueno-Moreno, 55, previously deported, with a past conviction for rape.
- Jose Cristian Sarabia Sanchez, 31, facing serious charges in connection with a fatal shooting while having a history of multiple arrests.
Esseri emphasized the operation’s goal to counteract sanctuary state policies, while Thomas Giles, the LA field director for ICE, criticized California politicians for their role in releasing criminal illegal immigrants into communities.
Giles asserted that Operation Guardian Angel aims to protect law-abiding citizens from “rapists, gang members, and murderers” who should not be in the U.S. “We will not back down,” he insisted, reaffirming the operation’s commitment to maintaining community safety.
