California’s Sanctuary Policies Continue to Shield Criminal Alien Pedophiles, Nine Arrested in Two-Day LA Sweep 

In another abhorrent reminder of the failures of California’s sanctuary state status under Governor Gavin Newsom and Democrat leadership, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a targeted two-day sweep in Los Angeles, arresting nine illegal aliens convicted of heinous child sex crimes. 

These child predators—many with lengthy rap sheets involving the sexual abuse of minors—were able to live freely in California communities thanks to Democrat-driven policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and Newsom’s parole and release practices that have repeatedly freed violent sex offenders, including pedophiles.

California’s sanctuary laws, such as Senate Bill 54, prevent local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainers in many cases, effectively providing safe haven and a welcome mat for criminal aliens—many of whom have priors in other states, including Nevada.

Combined with Newsom’s “elderly” early release programs—including expanded parole and pandemic-era reductions—the state has released thousands of convicted sex offenders back onto the streets, often before completing treatment or serving full sentences. 

Recent California Globe reports have spotlighted cases like the parole of violent, HIV-infected, home invasion rapists after just 11 years, serial child abusers under “elderly” parole considerations, and calls for Newsom’s resignation over releasing “monsters” convicted of serial child abuse.

Well what a shock. Newsom signed SB145, the bill that allows a 24 year old to have sex with a 14 year old and escape a felony conviction and requirement to be a registered sex offender. Absolutely disgusting.

— Senator Melissa Melendez (@senatormelendez) September 12, 2020

A February 2026 DHS alert urged Newsom to halt the release of over 33,000 criminal illegal aliens into communities, noting hundreds convicted of sexual predatory offenses, assaults, and other violent crimes. 

Examples include Mexican national Hector Grijalba-Sernas (lewd acts with a child under 14), released despite an ICE detainer, and others freed on sex offender violations before eventual ICE removal.

The latest LA sweep is a despicable reminder of how these policies allow known child sex offenders/criminal aliens a to evade deportation and pose ongoing risks to California’s children and the community at-large. 

ICE arrested NINE SEX OFFENDERS during a two-day targeted operation throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Learn the criminal histories of the nine featured alien sex offenders below. ⬇️

— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) March 13, 2026

ICE identified the following nine criminal aliens arrested over the two days, along with detailed elements from their rap sheets based on convictions and sentencing information:

1. Darwin Vazquez-Ramos (42, Mexican national) — Registered sex offender with convictions in Texas, Virginia, and Maryland for a third-degree sex offense, plus illegal reentry, trespassing, and driving while intoxicated.  
2. Juan Parra Gomez (39, Mexican national) — Registered sex offender convicted of having sexual intercourse with a child; sentenced to two years in prison; local authorities released him before ICE could lodge a detainer; also faces a pending vandalism charge.  
3. Lucas Rendon-Hernandez (37, Mexican national) — Registered sex offender convicted of arranging to meet with a child; sentenced to just three days in jail; ICE detainer was issued but not honored.  
4. Jose Montero Pena (73, Mexican national) — Registered sex offender convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14; sentenced to 288 days in jail.  
5. Amadeo Castellanos-Urbano (50, Mexican national) — Registered sex offender convicted of lewd acts and continuous sexual abuse of a child; sentenced to 12 years in prison.  
6. Andres Sanchez Ortiz (53, Mexican national) — Convicted of sexual abuse; sentenced to 16 years in prison; additional convictions for attempted kidnapping and driving under the influence.  
7. Feliciano Olivares (49, Mexican national) — Convicted of lewd acts with a child; sentenced to 18 years in prison.  
8. Daniel Bran Rivas (30, Mexican national) — Convicted of rape and oral copulation by force; sentenced to nine years in prison.  
9. Luis Alfonso Juarez (60, Mexican national) — Convicted of continuous sexual abuse and lewd acts involving a child under 14; sentenced to 18 years in prison.

These arrests represent just a fraction of the criminal aliens protected under California’s sanctuary framework.

As Newsom’s administration continues prioritizing leniency for criminals—through parole board decisions releasing high-risk sex predators and local and State resistance to federal enforcement—every community remains a vulnerable target. As the Globe has warned, there are hundreds of registered sex offenders who reside near the State Capitol.

ICE operations like this LA sweep are necessary, but true safety requires ending sanctuary policies that shield pedophiles at the expense of California’s children. Earlier this week, Sacramento DA Anne Marie Schubert asked,“Why is California releasing violent sex offenders before they’ve even completed serious treatment for the crimes that put them in prison?”

We prefer a shortened question, “Why is California releasing violent sex offenders and pedophiles? Period. Full Stop.