A federal judge in Louisiana has released four illegal immigrants with serious criminal records — including convictions for murder and child sex crimes — from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, setting off a political firestorm over public safety and immigration enforcement.
On Feb. 6, Judge John deGravelles, an Obama appointee serving on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, granted the defendants release from ICE detention, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The move drew immediate condemnation from DHS officials.
“The ramifications will only be the continued rape, murder, assault, and robbery of more American victims,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “Releasing these monsters is inexcusably reckless. President Trump and Secretary Noem are now enforcing the law and arresting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country.”
McLaughlin added, “We are applying the law as written. If an immigration judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period.”
The four individuals at the center of the controversy have lengthy criminal histories and prior deportation orders.
Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, an Ethiopian national, was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor. An immigration judge issued a final order of removal on Sept. 5, 2024. According to DHS, he had previously been released into the United States under the Biden administration.
Federal judge releases four illegal immigrants convicted of murder, sex crimes from ICE Custodyhttps://t.co/kGOmEvmUR5
— Profittaker (@Profittaker8) February 12, 2026
Luis Gaston-Sanchez, a Cuban national, has convictions for homicide, assault, resisting an officer, concealing stolen property, and two counts of robbery. An immigration judge ordered his deportation on Sept. 24, 2001.
Ricardo Blanco Chomat, also from Cuba, has been convicted of homicide, kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary, robbery, larceny, and selling cocaine. His deportation order dates back to March 27, 2002.
Francisco Rodriguez-Romero was convicted of homicide and a weapons offense. He was ordered deported on May 30, 1995.
The releases come amid heightened national debate over the power of federal judges and the enforcement of immigration law. The Department of Justice and DHS have both emphasized that immigration judges had already issued final removal orders in these cases.
Meanwhile, DHS has been expanding detention capacity in Louisiana. In September 2025, the department announced a partnership with the state to increase ICE detention space at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, widely known as Angola Prison. The facility, sometimes referred to as the “Louisiana Lockup,” houses criminal illegal immigrants arrested by ICE.
The decision to release the four men has reignited concerns among critics who argue that judicial rulings are undermining immigration enforcement efforts. Supporters of stronger enforcement say cases like this highlight the stakes in the ongoing legal and political battle over border security and the authority of federal courts.
With tensions already high over immigration policy, this ruling is likely to fuel further clashes between the judiciary and the executive branch — and intensify scrutiny over who ultimately bears responsibility for public safety.
