Judge Orders Release of Four Convicted Immigrant Felons

Ruling prompts criticism from Homeland Security over public safety concerns

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge in Louisiana has ordered the release of four criminal illegal immigrants with convictions for murder, child sexual abuse, and other violent crimes. The Department of Homeland Security strongly criticized the decision, calling the released individuals "monsters" who pose a threat to public safety.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and immigration enforcement agencies over the detention and deportation of convicted criminal immigrants. It raises questions about the balance between individual rights, public safety, and the enforcement of immigration laws.

The details

Judge John deGravelles, an Obama-appointed federal judge, ruled last Friday to release three immigrants convicted of homicide and a fourth convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor. The four individuals had final orders of removal dating back as far as 1995, but were still being held in ICE custody. The Department of Homeland Security condemned the decision, saying the judge was "inexcusably reckless" in releasing "these monsters" back into communities.

  • The final orders of removal for the four immigrants were issued between 1995 and 2024.
  • Judge deGravelles made the ruling to release the four convicted immigrants last Friday.

The players

Judge John deGravelles

An Obama-appointed federal judge in Louisiana who ordered the release of four convicted criminal immigrants.

Tricia McLaughlin

The current Department of Homeland Security Secretary who strongly criticized the judge's decision as "inexcusably reckless".

Francisco Rodriguez-Romero

A Cuban illegal immigrant convicted of homicide and weapons offenses, who was issued a final order of removal in 1995.

Ricardo Blanco Chomat

A Cuban illegal immigrant convicted of homicide, kidnapping, assault, and drug offenses, who was issued a final order of removal in 2002.

Luis Gaston-Sanchez

A Cuban illegal immigrant convicted of homicide, assault, and robbery, who was issued a final order of removal in 2001.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Releasing these monsters is inexcusably reckless.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Secretary

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has indicated it will appeal the judge's decision, raising the possibility that the four convicted immigrants may not be released as ordered.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing debate over the appropriate balance between protecting public safety and upholding the rights of convicted criminal immigrants. It highlights the tensions between the judicial and executive branches on immigration enforcement issues.