by Los Angeles, California – Federal immigration authorities arrested 118 illegal immigrants during a multi-day enforcement operation across central California, focusing on individuals with serious criminal records, including child sex offenders, domestic abusers, and repeat DUI offenders, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials said the arrests were carried out in a targeted effort between Christmas and New Year’s, aiming to remove offenders deemed a threat to public safety while reigniting debate over California’s sanctuary policies.
Enforcement Operation Across Central California
The six-day operation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents working alongside federal partners in several central California communities. Authorities described the effort as intelligence-driven, prioritizing individuals with prior felony convictions and histories of violence or sexual abuse.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the results on Monday, calling the effort a continuation of broader immigration enforcement initiatives underway in California.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to DHS, agents conducted arrests throughout the region over consecutive days, using criminal databases, prior convictions, and immigration status checks to identify targets. The sweep concluded just before New Year’s Day, marking the final enforcement push of 2025, officials said.
The operation mirrored similar actions in Los Angeles, where ICE has conducted sustained enforcement activity since June, resulting in thousands of arrests.
Statements From Federal Officials
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the operation was designed to focus on offenders with the most serious criminal backgrounds.
“The surge operation targeted the worst of the worst criminals in the country illegally,” McLaughlin said in a statement.
She also sharply criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and California’s sanctuary laws, arguing that they have enabled criminal offenders to remain in the state.
“Criminal illegal aliens flock to California because they know Governor Newsom and his fellow sanctuary politicians will allow them to terrorize innocent American families,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin added that federal law enforcement would continue similar operations into 2026, regardless of opposition from state and local governments.
Criminal Histories Highlighted by DHS
Federal officials provided examples of individuals taken into custody to underscore the scope of the operation. Among them was Juan Perez Tello, 42, a Mexican citizen previously convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, according to DHS. Authorities said he is also a registered sex offender.
Another Mexican national arrested during the sweep had four prior DUI convictions, including one DUI causing bodily injury, federal officials said.
Additional individuals named by DHS had criminal histories involving false imprisonment, injury to a child, assault with a deadly weapon, and alien smuggling, according to the department’s announcement.
Wider Crackdown in Los Angeles
The central California operation comes amid a broader enforcement push across the state. Since June, more than 10,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles, including individuals suspected of murder, kidnapping, rape, child sex offenses, and carjacking, DHS said.
Federal officials also identified 10 individuals during the Los Angeles crackdown whom they labeled the “worst of the worst,” citing charges such as homicide, kidnapping, and sexual assault.
Los Angeles operates as a sanctuary city under California law, limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities and fueling ongoing legal and political disputes.
Political Pushback and Sanctuary City Debate
City and state leaders have responded to the surge in ICE activity with proposed legislation and public criticism. In Los Angeles, officials have considered measures that would restrict federal agents’ tactics, including proposals aimed at banning agents from wearing masks during operations.
Governor Gavin Newsom, widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has repeatedly condemned the enforcement actions.
“Enough is enough — Stephen Miller and Trump’s chaos campaign needs to end now,” Newsom said in a prior statement responding to ICE operations.
“They are violating constitutional rights, terrorizing neighborhoods and businesses, and targeting people because of their skin color and the language they speak,” he added.
Conclusion
The latest arrests highlight the ongoing clash between federal immigration enforcement priorities and California’s sanctuary policies, with both sides framing the issue as one of public safety and civil rights. As ICE signals continued operations into the new year, the debate over immigration enforcement in California shows no sign of easing.
Immigration enforcement continues to divide communities and policymakers across the state. Share your experiences in the comments below and explain how these operations affect safety, trust, and daily life in your area.
