ICE Arrests Violent Criminal Illegals in LA, Including Murderers and Rapists, as Democrats Defend Sanctuary Policies

In a damning indictment of the Biden administration's open-border policies, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested dozens of illegal immigrants in Los Angeles in June 2025, many with egregious criminal records. Among those apprehended are murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders, highlighting the dangers posed by unchecked illegal immigration. These arrests, part of a critical operation conducted by ICE, underscore the chaos and lawlessness that have become hallmarks of the current administration's approach to border security.

The ICE operation targeted some of the most dangerous individuals residing illegally in the United States. One of the most notorious is Cuong Chanh Phan, a 49-year-old from Vietnam, convicted of second-degree murder for a heinous act that claimed the lives of two teenagers at a high school graduation party. His sentence of 15 years to life reflects the severity of his crime, yet he remained in the country until ICE's intervention. Another detainee, Lionel Sanchez-Laguna, a 55-year-old from Mexico, has a rap sheet that includes discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling, battery on a spouse, willful cruelty to a child, driving under the influence, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and personal use of a firearm. These are not minor offenses; they represent a direct threat to the safety of American communities.

Other notable arrests include Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez, a 55-year-old from the Philippines, convicted of burglary, sexual penetration with a foreign object with force, and assault with intent to commit rape, with a combined sentence of 41 years. Armando Ordaz, a 44-year-old from Mexico, was detained for sexual battery, receiving stolen property, and petty theft. These cases, among others, demonstrate the urgent need to remove such individuals from our streets.

Name	Age	Nationality	Criminal History	Sentence
Cuong Chanh Phan	49	Vietnam	Second-degree murder	15 years to life
Lionel Sanchez-Laguna	55	Mexico	Discharging firearm, battery on spouse, willful cruelty to child, DUI, assault with firearm	365 days, 4 years probation, 4 years probation, 10 days, 3 years, 3 years
Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez	55	Philippines	Burglary, sexual penetration with force, assault with intent to commit rape	4 years, 37 years
Armando Ordaz	44	Mexico	Sexual battery, receiving stolen property, petty theft	135 days + 5 years probation, 90 days + 3 years probation, 365 days + 4 years probation

While ICE agents risk their lives to remove these threats from our communities, Democrat leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have been quick to criticize these necessary actions. Their sanctuary city policies shield criminals from deportation, prioritizing political correctness over public safety. As Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aptly stated, "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?"

This sentiment resonates with many Americans who are frustrated by the apparent disregard for law and order. The protests that erupted in response to the ICE operation further highlight this disconnect. Rioters, some waving Mexican flags, took to the streets, clashing with law enforcement and defacing public property. Over 1,000 individuals surrounded a federal building, assaulting ICE officers and slashing tires, according to DHS (DHS Press Release). These displays of loyalty to foreign symbols over American law are a direct result of the Democrats' failure to prioritize national sovereignty and security. Instead of supporting ICE's efforts to protect citizens, these protests seem to defend the very criminals who endanger communities.

Under President Donald Trump's leadership, the United States saw a significant reduction in illegal immigration and a robust focus on deporting criminal aliens. His "America First" policies ensured that immigration laws were enforced, and dangerous individuals were removed from the country. Operations like the one in Los Angeles were commonplace during his administration, reflecting a commitment to public safety and national security. The contrast with the current administration could not be starker. Biden's policies have allowed dangerous criminals to remain in the country, putting American lives at risk. The recent ICE operation, which detained 118 aliens, including five gang members, is a step in the right direction but a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the problem (DHS Press Release).

The American people deserve better than the chaos and danger brought by unchecked illegal immigration. The Los Angeles operation is a wake-up call, exposing the consequences of weak border policies and sanctuary cities. As the 2024 election approaches, voters must demand leaders who prioritize national security, enforce immigration laws, and protect citizens from the threats posed by criminal illegal immigrants. A return to the strong, decisive leadership of President Trump is essential to secure our borders and restore safety to our communities. Only then can we truly make America safe again.