Over 10,000 Arrested in Los Angeles Federal Crackdown Targeting “Worst of the Worst”
A sweeping federal operation targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records has resulted in the arrest of more than 10,000 individuals in Los Angeles since June, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The crackdown, aimed at removing the most dangerous individuals from communities across the nation, has been met with both praise from law enforcement and criticism from local politicians.
Federal Effort to Target Criminal Undocumented Immigrants
The operation represents a calculated effort by the federal government to prioritize the deportation of undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of serious crimes. DHS officials have repeatedly emphasized that the focus is on removing “the worst of the worst” – those posing the greatest threat to public safety.
Among those arrested are individuals accused of heinous crimes. Ambartsoum Pogosium, a citizen of Armenia, was arrested on charges including kidnapping and homicide. Rene Reyes-Miranda, from Cuba, faces charges related to a sex offense against a child. And Juan Carlos Tamayo, a citizen of Mexico, is accused of homicide and attempted murder. DHS has publicly released the names of ten such offenders, detailing their alleged crimes which include rape, aggravated assault, and armed carjacking.
“Some of the most heinous criminal illegal aliens arrested include murderers, kidnappers, sexual predators, and armed carjackers,” a senior DHS official stated.
Rising Tensions and Political Backlash
The increased ICE presence and arrests have coincided with a surge in protests throughout Los Angeles, a city that operates as a sanctuary city under California law. Law enforcement officials have reported facing escalating hostility during these operations.
“This success of this operation is in spite of violent rioters who assaulted our law enforcement, threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at them, and attempted to obstruct lawful arrests of criminal illegal aliens,” the DHS reported.
The situation has also sparked a political clash. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that ICE law enforcement officers are experiencing a 1,150% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats. She further criticized local politicians for allegedly making it easier for “violent political extremists” to target law enforcement.
In response to the increased ICE activity, Los Angeles has considered legislation to restrict the actions of federal agents, including a ban on wearing masks – a move intended to counter what critics describe as “secret police” tactics.
California Leaders Condemn Federal Actions
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been a vocal critic of the federal crackdown. In July, Newsom called for an end to what he termed the “militarization of Los Angeles,” citing negative impacts on local communities.
“Enough is enough – Stephen Miller and Trump’s chaos campaign needs to end now. They are violating constitutional rights, terrorizing neighborhoods and businesses, and targeting people because of their skin color and the language they speak. These heartless and cruel actions have real consequences for our economy and society,” Newsom said.
The DHS countered these criticisms, asserting that Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass “failed the people of California” and “demonized” law enforcement. “Thanks to our brave law enforcement, California is safer with these thugs off their streets,” the DHS stated in a released statement.
The ongoing debate highlights the deep divisions surrounding immigration policy and the role of federal versus local authorities in enforcing immigration laws. The long-term impact of this crackdown on both public safety and community relations remains to be seen.
