Newsom’s office reveals blue state will comply with ICE after illegal immigrant’s early release plans exposed

California has decided to honor an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer for an illegal immigrant who was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and was set to be released early from prison. The state’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, announced that the individual would be transferred to federal custody before the scheduled release date in July. Concerns had been raised about the state’s sanctuary policies potentially allowing the individual to be released back into the community.

The illegal immigrant, Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, had caused a fatal car crash in Orange County, California, resulting in the deaths of Anya Varfolomeeva and Nicholay Osokin. Despite being convicted of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, Ortega-Anguiano was set to be released after serving only 3.5 years. Following public outcry, the Department of Justice stated they would prosecute him on federal charges to keep him in prison longer.

The U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California filed a felony immigration charge against Ortega-Anguiano, potentially leading to a 20-year sentence if convicted. ICE planned to arrest and deport him if released by the state. The agency revealed Ortega-Anguiano’s prior criminal history, multiple illegal entries into the U.S., and previous deportations.