California will comply with ICE after illegal immigrant early release planned
The state of California has been embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that an illegal immigrant convicted of vehicular manslaughter was set to be released early. Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, who had previously been deported in 2013, unlawfully re-entered the US and committed a heinous crime that resulted in the deaths of two young individuals, Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin.
Ortega-Anguiano was driving drunk, high, and speeding at nearly 100mph on the 405 freeway in Orange County when he crashed into the car driven by the young couple, causing them to burn alive. He was convicted of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in spring 2022. Despite this, he was set to be released on July 19 after serving just 3.5 years of his sentence.
The news sparked outrage among the victims’ families and the public, prompting Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office to announce that Ortega-Anguiano would be brought into federal custody ahead of his release date. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which tends to follow ICE detainer orders, faced criticism for potentially allowing him to be released back into the community due to the state’s sanctuary policies.
In response to the outcry, the Department of Justice announced that they would be prosecuting Ortega-Anguiano on federal charges to ensure that he remained behind bars for a longer period. United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, tweeted that his office had filed a felony immigration charge against the defendant, which could result in up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Border czar Tom Homan stated that ICE planned on quickly arresting and deporting Ortega-Anguiano if he was released by the state of California. Despite his previous criminal convictions and multiple illegal entries into the US, Ortega-Anguiano had managed to evade deportation and re-enter the country multiple times before the fatal crash.
The case highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes and raised questions about the effectiveness of sanctuary policies in protecting public safety. The decision to comply with ICE detainer orders and prosecute Ortega-Anguiano on federal charges underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
As the case continues to unfold, the state of California and federal authorities will need to work together to address the complex legal and immigration issues raised by Ortega-Anguiano’s case. The tragic deaths of Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of leniency towards criminal offenders, especially those who pose a threat to public safety.
