Federal Authorities Detail Arrest of Criminal Migrants Amid LA Unrest

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released details surrounding a major enforcement operation in Los Angeles, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended numerous individuals suspected of serious crimes. The arrests, which began on June 6, have sparked widespread unrest and protests across downtown Los Angeles.

According to DHS, the enforcement action led to the arrest of over 100 undocumented individuals, many of whom have criminal histories involving violent or serious offenses. Nineteen of those individuals, whose details were publicly shared, were arrested in and around Los Angeles on June 7. The offenses attributed to them include robbery, sexual assault, attempted murder, and other felonies.

“These arrests are a direct reflection of our ongoing efforts to remove dangerous individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” said a DHS spokesperson. “Unfortunately, local officials continue to resist cooperation, which only emboldens criminal elements and endangers law-abiding residents.”

Tensions escalated over the weekend as demonstrators clashed with police in downtown Los Angeles. What began as protests against the ICE raids turned into violent altercations, prompting law enforcement agencies to deploy additional personnel. Rioters damaged property and clashed with officers, leading to several arrests and injuries.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco strongly criticized the violent demonstrations and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s response—or lack thereof. “This isn’t about peaceful protest,” Bianco said. “This is coordinated chaos. It’s a politically motivated campaign to undermine law enforcement and public safety under the guise of activism.”

Bianco, a Republican and vocal critic of sanctuary policies, accused Governor Newsom of fueling division and obstructing law enforcement operations. “The governor seems more concerned about political optics than the actual consequences of ignoring criminal behavior. He should stay out of the way and let the professionals do their job.”

The list of individuals arrested during the operation includes:

• Lionel Sanchez-Laguna, 55, a Mexican national with a criminal background that includes shooting at a residence, domestic battery, DUI, child endangerment, and multiple firearms offenses in Orange County.

• Cuong Chanh Phan, 49, a Vietnamese national and convicted murderer. In 1994, Phan and several gang members returned to a graduation party they had been expelled from and opened fire on guests, resulting in a conviction for second-degree murder.

• Cielo Vivar-Ubaldo, a deported Mexican national who re-entered the country illegally and was convicted of unlawful sex with a minor, narcotics distribution, and hit-and-run. ICE has moved to reinitiate deportation proceedings.

• Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron, 43, of Peru, was previously convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to a decade in prison. He is now in ICE custody pending removal.

• Julian Riveros-Cadavid, a Colombian national arrested for immigration violations, has an extensive record including child endangerment, domestic assault, drug possession, and grand theft.

• Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez, 55, from the Philippines, was arrested on charges related to sexual assault, burglary, and attempted rape. He was previously sentenced to 37 years for sexual crimes involving force.

• Victor Mendoza-Aguilar, 32, a Mexican national with prior convictions for drug possession, assault with a deadly weapon, and obstruction of a peace officer. He was taken into custody in Pasadena.

• Armando Ordaz, 44, also from Mexico, has a record that includes sexual battery, petty theft, and possession of stolen property.

DHS emphasized that these individuals represent the most dangerous segment of undocumented immigrants and that the agency’s goal is focused squarely on public safety—not on targeting people based on their immigration status alone.

A DHS official reiterated, “This isn’t about politics. It’s about removing individuals who’ve repeatedly shown disregard for American laws and who pose a clear risk to the communities where they live.”

Despite this, political divisions continue to widen, with many progressive leaders accusing the federal government of engaging in racially motivated crackdowns. Civil rights groups have condemned the raids, while law enforcement advocates maintain they are both legal and necessary.

As tensions remain high, DHS has confirmed that additional enforcement actions are being considered in other major cities. Meanwhile, federal and local law enforcement remain on alert in Los Angeles, monitoring for further unrest and preparing to respond to any continued violence.

With political pressure mounting from both sides, the future of immigration enforcement in cities like Los Angeles appears to be entering a new and uncertain phase.