DHS: LA ICE Operation Nets Violent Criminals
Los Angeles — The Department of Homeland Security announced this week that a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Los Angeles resulted in the arrests of numerous illegal aliens with serious criminal records. Among those taken into custody were convicted murderers, child molesters, sexual abusers, and violent offenders, marking one of the most significant public‑safety sweeps in the region’s recent memory.
ICE agents targeted multiple locations across Los Angeles on June 8, focusing on individuals who posed demonstrable threats to the community. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the operation specifically sought “the worst of the worst”—violent criminal aliens who had already evaded or defied prior removal orders.
One of the highest-profile arrests was that of Eswin Uriel Castro, a previously deported illegal alien who had convictions for child molestation, armed robbery, and domestic violence. Castro faces re‑prosecution for additional crimes discovered upon his return to the country.
Another dangerous individual, Anastacio Enrique Solis‑Salinas from Nicaragua, carried charges including domestic violence, hit‑and‑run, and willful cruelty to a child. Rafael Gamez‑Sanchez was arrested under a conviction for vehicular manslaughter, while Miguel Angel Palafox‑Montes—a twice-deported Mexican national—boasted a rap sheet including grand theft, drug trafficking, identity theft, battery, and burglary.
Dzhakhar Aslambekov, a Russian national, was also apprehended for welfare fraud using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. DHS officials emphasized that these arrests were not the result of routine immigration sweeps, but targeted enforcement of individuals who had previously received convictions for violent or sexual offenses.
A broader DHS press release revealed additional high-risk criminals among those detained. These included Cuong Chanh Phan, convicted in a second‑degree murder case in 1994; Rolando Veneracion‑Enriquez, with convictions for burglary and forced sexual penetration; Lionel Sanchez‑Laguna, a Mexican national with charges for firearm assault, child cruelty, and battery; and Armando Ordaz, convicted of sexual battery and related offenses.
Specifically, McLaughlin challenged California officials for their opposition to the raids. “Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens?” she asked. McLaughlin dismissed protestors, stating: “Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers who every single day wake up and make our communities safer”.
Municipal leaders have been sharply critical. Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the operation, accusing ICE of excessive force and flag failures to provide timely notification to the city. Their statements sparked weeks of protests and violent confrontations in parts of downtown Los Angeles, leading to more than 100 arrests, including multiple counts of looting.
As unrest continues within several city neighborhoods, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno has urged congressional hearings, arguing that legal accountability should extend to officials who support sanctuary policies over public safety. He warned that political leaders who side with these protests are placing ideology above public welfare.
Proponents of stringent immigration enforcement argue the operation demonstrates the importance of prioritizing legal order and national security. The arrests underscore an ongoing DHS initiative to remove criminal aliens under policies established since 2013, including the celebrated “Operation Predator” program directed at foreign national sex offenders.
Conservative commentary on the operation applauds ICE’s willingness to uphold federal law and defend citizens’ security. As one Republican source opined, these arrests highlight a stark choice: either protect Americans by enforcing immigration laws—or face the consequences of unchecked criminal activity. The operation, they assert, affirmed that preserving public safety requires firm action.
Author’s Perspective (Third‑Person Inclusion)
The writer supports the operation’s goals, endorsing enforcement of existing immigration statutes and the arrest of dangerous criminals. He praises ICE’s discipline and judgment in targeting violent offenders—from child molesters to murderers—arguing that such actions outweigh criticisms rooted in sanctuary politics. He holds that local officials who oppose these efforts are failing their fundamental duty to protect law‑abiding residents and that community safety must always take precedence.
The DHS‑led operation in Los Angeles demonstrates a federal commitment to removing violent criminal aliens from American communities. Despite heated political opposition, the arrests reflect a decisive strategy in combating threats posed by non‑citizens with violent criminal histories. For those who prioritize law and order, these actions reinforce the essential role of ICE and DHS in safeguarding public wellbeing.
