Federal authorities have apprehended 362 previously deported illegal migrants in Southern California as part of a stealth operation dubbed “Operation Guardian Angel.” The initiative aims to remove individuals with criminal records, including those accused of murder, rape, and child molestation, who have re-entered the U.S.
The operation targets foreign nationals arrested by local police for new offenses. Federal agents then issue federal warrants to take custody of these individuals from local jails before they are released, thereby circumventing California's "sanctuary state" laws that limit local law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities. This allows federal authorities to prosecute them for illegal reentry, a federal felony.
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, stated that the operation is designed to "keep bad guys from ever getting back out into the streets." Thomas Giles, director of the Los Angeles field office for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, added that the operation helps prevent the release of "rapists, gang members, and murderers" back into communities.
During a recent operation observed by The California Post, federal agents intercepted migrants from county custody at the Twin Towers jail in downtown Los Angeles. Among those apprehended were individuals recently charged with crimes such as domestic battery, reckless driving causing injury, and illegal firearms possession. All had prior convictions for illegal entry and subsequent deportations.
One individual, Lauro Alberto Rivas, who had convictions for weapons offenses, grand theft, and drunk driving, expressed a desire to return to Mexico to see his family. Daniel Garcia, arrested on a domestic battery charge, had paid $10,000 to a human smuggler to re-enter the U.S. and expressed fear of cartel retribution in his hometown. Raul Aranda Gutierrez, arrested for a DUI-related car accident that injured two women, claimed the incident was an accident and stated he would attempt to re-enter the U.S. if deported.
Other individuals apprehended include Jaime Rodríguez Ladesma, accused of lewd or lascivious acts with a child, who had been deported and re-entered the U.S. multiple times. Héctor Bueno-Moreno, who has a prior rape conviction, had been deported twice before. José Cristian Saravia-Sánchez faces accusations of shooting and killing a man who allegedly interrupted him stealing a catalytic converter, with his record including numerous arrests and prior deportations.
"Operation Guardian Angel" is active in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Federal authorities indicated that they are committed to continuing the operation, with Giles stating, "We will not be deterred. We are not going away."