LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In a recent high-profile enforcement operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended several individuals identified as high-risk criminal illegal aliens in Los Angeles, including Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez, 55, from the Philippines, and Francisco Sanchez-Arguello, 38, from Mexico. Both men were living in the U.S. illegally and have extensive violent criminal histories, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
ICE labeled these arrests part of a broader effort to remove what officials called “the worst of the worst” from U.S. communities. The individuals detained during the operation had prior convictions for serious offenses, including murder, rape, and other violent crimes.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a sharp rebuke of California’s political leadership following the operation, stating:
“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?”
McLaughlin went on to condemn recent protests against ICE enforcement actions in Los Angeles.
“These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets. Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”
ICE officials emphasized that the agency remains committed to protecting public safety and enforcing federal immigration law, even as local sanctuary policies often obstruct or limit cooperation with federal agents.
The operation underscores ongoing tensions between federal authorities and California leaders over immigration enforcement priorities.
