Full Breakdown
Federal Judge Releases Four Illegal Immigrants with Violent Criminal Histories
2/12/2026, 12:48:22 PM
Overview of the Release Decision
On February 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, appointed by former President Barack Obama, ordered the release of four illegal immigrants from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola Prison. This decision has drawn significant criticism from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and various political figures.
Details of the Released Individuals
The four individuals released include:
1. Ibrahim Ali Mohammed - An Ethiopian national with a conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor. He was issued a final order of removal on September 5, 2024.
2. Luis Gaston-Sanchez - A Cuban national with a criminal record that includes homicide, assault, and robbery. His deportation order dates back to September 24, 2001.
3. Ricardo Blanco Chomat - Also from Cuba, he has convictions for homicide, kidnapping, and aggravated assault, with a deportation order issued on March 27, 2002.
4. Francisco Rodriguez-Romero - Another Cuban national, previously convicted of homicide and a weapons offense, with a deportation order from May 30, 1995.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the judge's ruling, stating, "Releasing these monsters is inexcusably reckless," and warned that it would lead to increased violence against American citizens. She emphasized that the DHS is committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals deemed to have no right to remain in the U.S.
Judge deGravelles justified his decision by asserting that the prolonged detention of these individuals was "constitutionally suspect," indicating that their deportation was not reasonably foreseeable. He noted that the Trump administration's policies had unlawfully detained the migrants for extended periods.
Criticism & Opposition
The release has sparked outrage among various political figures and organizations. Critics argue that the decision endangers public safety by returning individuals with violent criminal backgrounds to communities. McLaughlin's statements reflect a broader concern within the DHS regarding the implications of judicial decisions on immigration enforcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the DHS has labeled the released individuals as violent criminals, the specifics of their cases, including the nature of their convictions and the circumstances surrounding their detention, remain contested. Some reports indicate that the most serious charges against Gaston-Sanchez and Chomat were attempted murder, while others describe their convictions in less severe terms.
What's Next
The DHS has indicated that it will continue to work towards the removal of individuals from detention centers, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing immigration laws. The situation raises questions about the balance between judicial rulings and immigration enforcement, as well as the potential for further legal challenges regarding the detention of immigrants.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Releasing these monsters is inexcusably reckless.” — Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, DHS
- “If an immigration judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period.” — Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, DHS
- “deGravelles found that the Trump administration detained the migrants “unlawfully,” writing that detention longer than six months is “constitutionally suspect” and that “their deportation is not reasonably foreseeable.” — Judge John deGravelles, U.S. District Court
