WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta calling on him to put the safety of Americans first and honor ICE arrest detainers of the more than 33,000 criminal illegal aliens in California’s custody including murderers, sex offenders, and drug traffickers.
California’s failure to honor ICE detainers has resulted in the release of 4,561 criminal illegal aliens since January 20. The crimes of these aliens include 31 homicides, 661 assaults, 574 burglaries, 184 robberies, 1,489 dangerous drugs offenses, 379 weapons offenses, and 234 sexual predatory offenses.
There are currently 33,179 aliens in the custody of a California jurisdiction with active detainers. The crimes of these aliens include 399 homicides, 3,313 assaults, 3,171 burglaries, 1,011 robberies, 8,380 dangerous drugs offenses, 1,984 weapons offenses, and 1,293 sexual predatory offenses.
“Governor Newsom and his fellow California sanctuary politicians are releasing murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers from their jails back into our neighborhoods and putting American lives at risk,” said Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. “We are calling on Governor Newsom and his administration to stop this dangerous derangement and commit to honoring the ICE arrest detainers of the more than 33,000 criminal illegal aliens in California’s custody. It is common sense. Criminal illegal aliens should not be released from jails back onto our streets to terrorize more innocent Americans. If we work together, we can make America safe again. 7 of the 10 safest cities in the U.S. cooperate with ICE law enforcement.”
Some of the public safety threats released directly from California jails into American communities include:
- Hector Grijalba-Sernas, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico arrested for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14-years-old. On September 24, 2024, ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On May 8, 2025, ICE arrested Grijalba and referred him for prosecution. He is currently in the custody of a federal partner with an active immigration detainer lodged against him.
- Xujin An, a criminal illegal alien from China arrested for sexual penetration with force and sexual battery in Westminster, CA. On November 9, 2024, ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On April 15, 2025, ICE arrested An and he remains in custody pending judicial proceedings.
- Angel Navarro Camarillo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and a member of the notorious La Familia street gang, arrested for a sex offender violation. On November 29, 2024, Navarro Camarillo was arrested by Fullerton Police Department. An immigration detainer was lodged, and the detainer was not honored and he was released. On July 14, 2025, ICE arrested Navarro Camarillo and removed him from the United States.
- Vicente Centeno-Lugo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, has a history of criminal convictions spanning the past 28 years, including hit-and-run property damage, willful cruelty to a child, possession of controlled substance, evasion of peace officer, obstruction of public officer, taking vehicle without consent, and owning prohibited ammunition. Santa Clara County Jail refused to recognize multiple ICE immigration detainers in recent years and released Centeno back into the same communities he was terrorizing.
- Carmelo Corado Hurtado, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, was convicted of first-degree murder, driving under the influence, and second-degree robbery. ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On February 26, 2025, ICE arrested Corado Hurtado and removed him from the United States
- Raphael Arturovich Gevorgyan, a criminal illegal alien from Armenia and member of the notorious Armenian Power gang, convicted of voluntary manslaughter, assault with deadly weapon, tampering with vehicle, receiving stolen property, and grand theft. On November 11, 2025, Gevorgyan was arrested by Burbank Police Department for obstructing police. ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On November 12, 2025, ICE arrested Gevorgyan where he remains in ICE custody pending removal from proceedings.
- Victor Hernandez-Jiron, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, arrested for attempted murder, inflicting corporal injury on spouse, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, false imprisonment, and threats to commit a crime resulting in death or great bodily injury. ICE issued an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On November 17, 2025, ICE officers apprehended Hernandez-Jiron where he remains in ICE custody pending judicial proceedings.
- Monica Gonzalez-Riedel, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, arrested for willful cruelty to child and assault with deadly weapon using force causing possible great bodily injury. On March 1, 2025, ICE encountered Gonzalez after she was booked into the San Diego Sheriff’s Office. ICE lodged an immigration detainer, which was rejected by local police, who then released Gonzalez back into the community.
- Sara Hassanzadeh, a criminal illegal alien from Iran, arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery on an ex-spouse. On September 8, 2025, Hassanzadeh was booked into the San Diego Sheriff’s Office. ICE lodged an immigration detainer, which local authorities rejected and released Hassanzadeh back into the community.
- Elvin Joel Centeno Verde, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras convicted of obstruction of police and arrested multiple times within the past five years for drug trafficking and drug sales. ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On October 27, 2025, ICE apprehended Centeno and removed him from the United States
Newsom Responds:
Governor’s Office demands Kristi Noem learn to Google before sending stupid letters: California works with ICE to deport criminals
What you need to know: The federal government hasn’t picked up 100% of the criminals they claim to be going after. California doesn’t block ICE from getting violent criminals. Kristi Noem needs help learning how to Google.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom’s record on immigration enforcement and public safety is clear, consistent, and rooted in the law — despite today’s fact-free letter from the head of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
Transferring criminals into ICE custody
Since 2019, the state of California has coordinated the transfer of more than 12,000 individuals released from state prison — including murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders — into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. California law explicitly allows CDCR to notify and coordinate with ICE for individuals convicted of felony offenses who have served their prison terms.
Where’s the federal government?
If Secretary Noem truly cared about public safety, her officers would pick up 100% of those incarcerated criminals. In fact, federal immigration officials fail to pick up roughly one out of every eight individuals released from California state prisons who already have ICE detainers placed on them. Sometimes her office fails to pick prisoners up only to go searching for them in California communities shortly thereafter – a strange combination of incompetence, idiocy, and danger.
California cannot force the federal government to act — nor does it interfere with federal immigration enforcement carried out with federal resources.
State law is clear
Claims that California “blocks” cooperation with ICE are simply false.
State law does not impede criminal investigations, public safety operations, or the sharing of criminal history information. California law prioritizes public safety by allowing coordination with ICE for individuals convicted of, or credibly charged with, serious and violent crimes.
Coordination on the local level
For immigrants who commit crimes, California law includes clear and broad exceptions that allow state and local law enforcement agencies to communicate and coordinate with ICE regarding release dates for individuals who are convicted of:
Serious or Violent Crimes
- Felonies – Any serious or violent felony as defined by California law.
- Felony Convictions – Any felony punishable by state prison.
Specific Crimes (Misdemeanor or Felony)
- Assault & Battery – Physical attacks, including domestic violence.
- Threats – Criminal threats against individuals or institutions.
- Sexual Crimes – Sexual abuse, exploitation, child endangerment.
- Child Abuse – Physical, emotional, or neglectful harm to children.
- Theft & Fraud – Burglary, robbery, forgery, embezzlement.
- Felony DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (felony only).
- Obstruction of Justice – Interfering with law enforcement or court processes.
- Bribery – Offering or accepting bribes.
- Escape – Attempting to escape custody.
- Weapons Offenses – Unlawful possession or use of weapons, explosives, or firearms.
- Drug Crimes – Felony drug possession, sale, or trafficking.
- Vandalism – If there are prior convictions.
- Gang-Related Crimes – Gang activity or related offenses.
- Attempted or Conspired Crimes – Planning or attempting to commit listed crimes.
- Crimes Causing Death or Injury – Murder, manslaughter, great bodily harm.
- Firearm Use – Use of a gun in committing a crime.
- Sex Offender Crimes – Any offense requiring sex offender registration.
- False Imprisonment & Human Trafficking – Kidnapping, enslavement.
- Money Laundering & Criminal Profiteering – Financial crimes benefiting illegal enterprises.
- Torture & Mayhem – Causing extreme harm or disfigurement.
- Public Safety Threats – Crimes affecting public safety, like arson or riots.
- Elder Abuse – Harm to elderly or dependent adults.
- Hate Crimes – Crimes motivated by bias or discrimination.
- Stalking – Repeated harassment or threats against an individual.
- Soliciting Crimes – Encouraging or hiring someone to commit a crime.
- Crimes Committed on Bail – Offenses committed while released from custody.
- Sexual Assault & Rape – Non-consensual sexual acts.
- Kidnapping – For ransom, extortion, or harm.
- Hit & Run (Fatalities) – Fleeing the scene of a fatal accident.
Additional Categories
- Registered Sex or Arson Offenders – Anyone on California’s registry.
- Federal Crimes – Aggravated felonies or outstanding federal felony warrants.
Contrary to Secretary Noem’s claims, California does not “harbor criminals.” California law ensures violent offenders are held accountable while also ensuring that victims and witnesses — including victims of domestic violence and human trafficking — are not terrorized into silence by fear of deportation.
The aggressive rhetoric and intimidation tactics promoted by some federal officials are not about public safety. They are designed to terrorize communities in an effort to coerce state and local governments and commandeer their resources to advance a federal agenda — something the Constitution explicitly prohibits.
California will continue to follow the law, cooperate with federal authorities where permitted, prioritize public safety, and ensure that no community is too afraid to report crimes or seek help.
If Kristi Noem has further questions, we recommend she start with a basic internet search
Related California Stories:
- Governor Newsom Announces 2026-27 Proposed Budget
- July 2025: Contra Costa County Sheriff: Arrests Up in 2025
- Jan 2025: Bookings Up: Contra Costa Sheriff Shares 2024 Data
