LOS ANGELES, CA – Nine alleged sex offenders with prior convictions are off the streets of Los Angeles following a two-day operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The arrests, conducted January 27th and 28th, targeted criminal illegal aliens with histories of heinous crimes, including offenses against children. While ICE touts the operation as a victory for public safety, it simultaneously ignited a renewed battle with California officials over the state’s sanctuary policies, which ICE claims actively hinder their efforts to deport dangerous criminals.
The sweep pulled in a roster of repeat offenders. Among those arrested was Darwin Vazquez-Ramos, 42, a Mexican national with convictions in Texas, Virginia, and Maryland for a third-degree sex offense, illegal reentry, trespassing, and driving while intoxicated. Also apprehended was Juan Parra Gomez, 39, of Mexico, convicted of having sexual intercourse with a child and facing a pending vandalism charge. Parra Gomez previously served two years in prison, but was released by local authorities *before* ICE could lodge an immigration detainer. This forced ICE to track him down “at-large” in the community, a scenario agency officials say is increasingly common.
The frustration within ICE is palpable. Officials point to cases like Lucas Rendon-Hernandez, 37, also from Mexico, convicted of arranging to meet with a child and sentenced to a mere three days in jail. ICE issued a detainer, but it was ignored, leading to another at-large apprehension. Jose Montero Pena, 73, of Mexico, was convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14 and sentenced to 288 days. Amadeo Castellanos-Urbano, 50, of Mexico, served 12 years for continuous sexual abuse of a child. Andres Sanchez Ortiz, 53, faces a lengthy history, with convictions in California and Nevada for attempted kidnapping, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and DUI, culminating in a 16-year sentence for sexual abuse.
The list continues with Feliciano Olivares, 49, of Mexico, who received an 18-year sentence for lewd acts with a child, alongside convictions for forgery and contempt of court. Daniel Bran Rivas, 30, of El Salvador, was also taken into custody. ICE Director Todd M. Lyons minced no words, stating, “ICE isn’t going to stand idly by while criminal illegal alien sex offenders roam Los Angeles or any other community.” He emphasized the agency’s commitment to enforcing the law and protecting communities from recidivism.
According to ICE, since January 20, 2025, California, under Governor Gavin Newsom, has refused to honor 4,561 ICE immigration detainers for criminal illegal aliens. These released individuals include not just sex offenders, but also murderers. ICE currently has 33,179 active detainers pending for criminal illegal aliens within California’s prison system. The agency is demanding the state comply with federal law and allow the deportation of these individuals, arguing it’s a matter of public safety.
The situation represents a clear standoff. ICE views California’s policies as enabling criminals to re-offend, while state officials maintain their commitment to protecting immigrant communities. As these nine alleged sex offenders now face deportation proceedings, the debate over immigration enforcement and public safety in California is far from over. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story.
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