DHS Slams 'Activist Judge' for Releasing Illegal Immigrants with Violent Pasts

Four men with convictions for homicide, child sex crimes released from ICE detention in Louisiana

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized a federal judge in Louisiana for ordering the release of four illegal immigrants with disturbing criminal histories, including previous convictions for attempted murder and child sex crimes. The four men were being held at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana's notorious Angola Prison before being released by Judge John deGravelles, an Obama appointee.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between the federal government and the judiciary over immigration enforcement, with DHS accusing the judge of being an 'activist' for ordering the release of these individuals with violent pasts. It raises concerns about public safety and the potential for these released offenders to commit further crimes against American citizens.

The details

The four men released by the judge include Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, a convicted child sex offender from Ethiopia; Luis Gaston-Sanchez, a Cuban national with convictions for homicide, assault, and robbery; Ricardo Blanco Chomat, another Cuban with a lengthy rap sheet including homicide, kidnapping, and drug offenses; and Francisco Rodriguez-Romero, a Cuban man previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter. DHS has vowed to continue enforcing immigration laws and removing illegal aliens, despite what it calls 'activist' judicial rulings.

  • In September 2024, Ibrahim Ali Mohammed was issued a final order of removal.
  • In September 2001, Luis Gaston-Sanchez was issued a final order of removal.
  • In March 2002, Ricardo Blanco Chomat was issued a final order of removal.
  • In May 1995, Francisco Rodriguez-Romero was issued a final order of removal.

The players

Ibrahim Ali Mohammed

An Ethiopian national with a previous conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor who was issued a final order of removal in September 2024.

Luis Gaston-Sanchez

A Cuban national with convictions for homicide, assault, resisting an officer, concealing stolen property, and two counts of robbery, who had been issued a final order of removal in September 2001.

Ricardo Blanco Chomat

A Cuban national previously convicted of homicide, kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary, robbery, larceny, and selling cocaine, who was issued a final order of removal in March 2002.

Francisco Rodriguez-Romero

A Cuban national with a previous homicide conviction and a weapons offense, who was issued a final order of removal in May 1995.

Judge John deGravelles

A federal judge in Louisiana appointed by President Obama who ordered the release of the four illegal immigrants from ICE detention.

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What they’re saying

“Judge John deGravelles, appointed by Barack Obama, released FOUR violent criminals back onto American communities, and unfortunately, the ramifications will only be the continued rape, murder, assault, and robbery of more American victims.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary

“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.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary

What’s next

DHS has vowed to continue enforcing immigration laws and removing illegal aliens, despite what it calls 'activist' judicial rulings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and the judiciary over immigration enforcement, with DHS accusing the judge of being an 'activist' for ordering the release of these individuals with violent pasts. It raises serious concerns about public safety and the potential for these released offenders to commit further crimes against American citizens.