Judge Orders Release of Immigrants with Criminal Records

A judge has made a decision to let four people go from immigration detention. These people have been found guilty of serious crimes like murder. The government is unhappy with this choice and says it is working to send these people out of the country.
By Newsroom | Immigration, Law |

A judge, appointed by President Obama, has ordered the release of four individuals from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. These individuals are noted to have prior criminal convictions, including homicide and sex offenses. The decision has drawn criticism from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which states it is working to remove such individuals from the country. This ruling comes amidst broader discussions and policy shifts regarding immigration enforcement.

Background of the Ruling

On February 6, 2026, Judge John deGravelles of the Middle District Court of Louisiana issued an order for the release of four individuals from ICE detention. These individuals are identified as Luis Gaston-Sanchez, Francisco Rodriguez-Romero, and Ricardo Blanco Chomat, all reportedly from Cuba, along with a fourth individual not fully named in the provided reports.

  • Luis Gaston-Sanchez has convictions for homicide, assault, resisting an officer, concealing stolen property, and two counts of robbery.

  • Francisco Rodriguez-Romero is convicted of homicide and a weapons offense.

  • Ricardo Blanco Chomat has convictions for homicide, kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary, robbery, larceny, and selling cocaine.

  • The fourth individual is described as a pedophile and has a deportation order dating back over 30 years.

Read More: Big Immigration Operation in Minnesota Ends After Many Arrests and Two Deaths

The Department of Homeland Security has characterized the judge's action as a release of "criminal illegal aliens" into American communities, with DHS asserting that such individuals are not welcome in the U.S.

Judicial Rulings and Immigration Policy

This ruling by Judge deGravelles is presented in conjunction with another instance involving an Obama-appointed judge. In February 2025, a federal judge in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to revert to previous rules concerning immigration enforcement at places of worship. This decision was in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of religious groups who argued that new rules allowing federal officials to enter houses of worship for immigration enforcement violated their First Amendment rights to freedom of assembly. The Trump administration's directive was seen as a departure from prior policies.

Contrasting Perspectives on Enforcement

The reports highlight a tension between judicial decisions and the enforcement priorities of federal agencies, particularly concerning individuals with criminal records who are in the country illegally.

Read More: Pam Bondi Questioned About Handling of Epstein Files

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Views the release of individuals with serious criminal convictions from ICE custody as a failure of enforcement. DHS stated its commitment to removing such aliens and suggested it was working to do so despite judicial challenges. The agency's stance implies that such releases undermine public safety and immigration laws.

  • Judicial Rulings: The decisions by Judge deGravelles and the judge in Maryland suggest a different interpretation of laws and constitutional rights. The latter case, specifically, indicates a focus on protecting the religious freedom of diverse communities, even when it intersects with immigration enforcement.

The legal basis for these differing approaches appears to stem from various statutes and constitutional protections.

  • Immigration and Nationality Act: Provides the framework for deportations and detentions.

  • First Amendment: Guarantees freedom of assembly and religion, which was central to the case involving places of worship.

  • Judicial Discretion: Judges have a role in reviewing detention orders and ruling on the legality of enforcement actions. The decision to release individuals from ICE custody would typically involve an assessment of legal grounds for detention and potential risks.

Sources

Read More: Labour MPs Disagree on New Immigration Rules for Settled People

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who ordered the release of the immigrants?
A judge named John deGravelles in Louisiana ordered their release.
Q: Why are people unhappy about this?
The immigrants being released have been convicted of serious crimes, including murder and sex offenses. The government believes they should not be let go.
Q: What crimes did the immigrants commit?
One had convictions for murder and weapons. Another had murder, assault, and robbery. A third was convicted of murder, kidnapping, and selling drugs. The fourth is described as a pedophile.
Q: What does the government want to do?
The government wants to remove these individuals from the country and believes releasing them is unsafe.