A federal judge in Louisiana has ordered the release of four illegal immigrants with serious criminal convictions, including murder and child sex crimes, from immigration enforcement custody. The decision has sparked sharp criticism from the Department of Homeland Security.
Judge John deGravelles of the Middle District Court of Louisiana issued the order on February 6, granting release to the four defendants who had been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Judge deGravelles was appointed to the federal bench during the Obama administration.
The four individuals released are Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, an Ethiopian citizen convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor; Luis Gaston-Sanchez; Ricardo Blanco Chomat; and Francisco Rodriguez-Romero. Each has been convicted of various violent and sex-related offenses. An immigration judge had previously issued a final order of removal for Mohammed on September 5.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a strongly worded statement condemning the judge’s decision. “The ramifications will only be the continued rape, murder, assault, and robbery of more American victims,” McLaughlin said. “Releasing these monsters is inexcusably reckless.”
McLaughlin emphasized that the current administration intends to enforce existing immigration law without exception. “President Trump and Secretary Noem are now enforcing the law and arresting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country,” she stated.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the broader issue of immigration enforcement transparency in recent remarks, noting that body cameras “can be very helpful in making sure that people know the truth.” The comment reflects the administration’s effort to document enforcement actions amid ongoing debates about immigration policy.
The Department of Homeland Security has made clear its position that judicial interference with immigration enforcement undermines public safety. “We are applying the law as written,” McLaughlin added. “If an immigration judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period.”
The case highlights the continuing tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and judicial oversight of detention practices. While immigration authorities argue that detention is necessary for public safety and to ensure removal of individuals with final deportation orders, some federal judges have intervened in cases they believe involve improper detention conditions or procedures.
The release of individuals with violent criminal histories pending deportation proceedings raises questions about the balance between due process protections and community safety. Federal immigration law provides for mandatory detention of certain criminal aliens, but courts retain authority to review detention decisions under specific circumstances.
This incident occurs as the Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a central priority, particularly targeting individuals with criminal records who are in the country illegally. The administration has repeatedly emphasized that its focus remains on removing those who pose the greatest threat to public safety.
The Department of Homeland Security has not indicated whether it will appeal Judge deGravelles’ decision or seek emergency stays to return the individuals to custody pending their removal from the United States.
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