The state of California is planning to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s detainer after an illegal immigrant convicted of vehicular manslaughter was set to be released early. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced that the individual would be brought into federal custody ahead of his scheduled release date. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation tends to follow ICE detainer orders, but concerns were raised about the state’s sanctuary policies potentially playing a role in allowing him to be released back into the community. The individual, Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, had been driving drunk, high, and speeding at nearly 100mph when he crashed into a young couple on the 405 freeway in Orange County, killing them both. Despite being convicted of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, he was only set to serve 3.5 years of his sentence.
Ortega-Anguiano’s early release sparked outrage among the victim’s families and the public at large. After the news broke, the Department of Justice announced that they would be prosecuting him on federal charges in order to keep him behind bars longer. The United States Attorney for the Central District of California stated that his office had filed a felony immigration charge against Ortega-Anguiano, who faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Border czar Tom Homan also weighed in, saying that ICE planned on quickly arresting and deporting him if he was released by the state of California. Ortega-Anguiano had a prior criminal background and had entered the country illegally multiple times before the fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of the two young victims.
ICE confirmed that Ortega-Anguiano had entered the country illegally twice before and had a history of criminal convictions, including burglary, vehicle theft, and battery on a spouse with kidnapping. An immigration judge had ordered his removal in 2014, and he had previously been removed to Mexico multiple times. Despite these efforts, he continued to reenter the United States illegally. ICE issued a detainer for Ortega-Anguiano with the Orange County Jail, where he was being held on vehicular manslaughter charges at the time. His case highlights the challenges of dealing with repeat illegal border crossers and individuals with criminal backgrounds who pose a threat to public safety.
The state of California’s decision to comply with ICE’s detainer in this case comes in the midst of ongoing debates over immigration policies and enforcement practices. Democratic-led states like California have often clashed with the federal government over issues related to immigration, with sanctuary policies being a particularly contentious issue. While California has been known for its support of sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, cases like Ortega-Anguiano’s have raised concerns about public safety and the need to balance law enforcement priorities with maintaining protections for undocumented immigrants. The conflict between state and federal authorities in cases like this highlights the complexity of immigration enforcement and the challenges of finding solutions that address the needs of both immigrant communities and public safety concerns.
Overall, the case of Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano underscores the complexities and challenges of immigration enforcement in the United States. The tragic consequences of his actions, coupled with his history of criminal behavior and repeated illegal entries into the country, have reignited debates over sanctuary policies and the need for cooperation between state and federal authorities. The decision by California to comply with ICE’s detainer in this case reflects a recognition of the need to hold individuals like Ortega-Anguiano accountable for their actions and prioritize public safety. As the case continues to unfold, it will likely serve as a focal point for discussions around immigration reform and the intersection of law enforcement, public safety, and the rights of undocumented immigrants.
