ICE Urges California to Stop Releasing 33,000 Criminal Illegal Aliens

Federal authorities warn of rising crime rates if state continues to defy detainer requests

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to stop the planned release of over 33,000 criminal illegal aliens currently in state custody. ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin warned that the crimes committed by these individuals include 399 homicides, 3,313 assaults, 3,171 burglaries, and other serious offenses. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons also sent a letter to the California Attorney General, stating that the state's failure to honor ICE detainers has already resulted in the release of 4,561 criminal illegal aliens since January, who have been charged with 31 homicides and hundreds of other violent crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and California's sanctuary state policies, which prioritize protecting undocumented immigrants over public safety concerns. The release of thousands of criminal illegal aliens raises serious questions about the state's commitment to combating violent crime and supporting victims' rights.

The details

According to ICE, the 33,179 criminal illegal aliens in California's custody have been charged with a range of serious offenses, including 399 homicides, 3,313 assaults, 3,171 burglaries, 1,011 robberies, 8,380 drug crimes, 1,984 weapons offenses, and 1,293 sexual predatory offenses. ICE has urged Governor Newsom and state officials to notify the agency before releasing any of these individuals, in order to allow federal authorities to take them into custody. However, California's sanctuary state laws have often prevented such cooperation, leading to the release of thousands of criminal illegal aliens who have gone on to commit additional crimes.

  • Since January 20, 2026, California has released 4,561 criminal illegal aliens.
  • The crimes committed by these released individuals include 31 homicides, 661 assaults, 574 burglaries, and other serious offenses.

The players

Tricia McLaughlin

Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Todd Lyons

Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Gavin Newsom

Governor of California.

Rob Bonta

California Attorney General.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (DHS Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the release of the 33,000 criminal illegal aliens from California custody.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing clash between federal immigration enforcement and California's sanctuary state policies, with public safety concerns pitted against the state's efforts to protect undocumented immigrants. The release of thousands of criminal illegal aliens raises serious questions about the state's commitment to combating violent crime and supporting victims' rights.