Four illegal immigrants with criminal records, including murder and child sex offenses, were released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody by Judge John deGravelles, an Obama appointee on the Middle District Court of Louisiana, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The defendants include Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, an Ethiopian citizen convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor and subject to a final removal order issued on Sept. 5, 2024; Luis Gaston-Sanchez, a Cuban national with convictions for homicide, assault, robbery, and resisting arrest, deportation ordered Sept. 24, 2001; Ricardo Blanco Chomat, also from Cuba, with convictions for homicide, kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary, robbery, larceny, and cocaine sales, deportation ordered March 27, 2002; and Francisco Rodriguez-Romero, convicted of homicide and a weapons offense, deportation ordered May 30, 1995.

Assistant Secretary for DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, criticized the judge’s decision, warning that releasing the men “is inexcusably reckless” and could lead to further violent crimes. She noted that President Trump and Secretary Noem are actively enforcing immigration laws and removing illegal aliens who have no right to remain in the U.S.

In September 2025, DHS expanded ICE detention capacity in Louisiana through a partnership with the state, establishing the Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola Prison, as the “Louisiana Lockup” for criminal illegal immigrants.

The release of these individuals, despite longstanding deportation orders, has sparked debate over judicial authority versus federal immigration enforcement.