In a case that has ignited a firestorm of controversy, Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, an illegal immigrant with a previous record of deportation, is now facing federal charges after being granted an early release from a California prison. Ortega-Anguiano was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which resulted in the deaths of two teenagers in November 2021.
The tragedy unfolded on the 405 freeway in Orange County, where Ortega-Anguiano, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, crashed into a vehicle, killing 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin. Despite receiving a 10-year sentence in the spring of 2022, Ortega-Anguiano is slated for release on July 19, 2025, after serving less than half of his sentence, as reported by Fox News.
The announcement of his early release on Easter Sunday sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted a swift response from federal authorities. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli took to Twitter to announce the filing of felony immigration charges against Ortega-Anguiano, with the potential for up to 20 years in federal prison. "If the state of California will not seek the full measure of justice against this individual, the DOJ will," Essayli stated.
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the sentiment, condemning the early release as "absolutely unconscionable" and questioning the justice served for the victims' families. She emphasized the Department of Justice's commitment to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure that Ortega-Anguiano faces the full consequences of his actions.
California's sanctuary policies have occasionally impeded federal immigration enforcement, yet ICE has issued a detainer for Ortega-Anguiano. Tom Homan, former ICE Director and current border czar, assured the public that federal authorities would intervene if the state failed to honor the detainer, stating that ICE agents would be present to take custody and proceed with deportation.
The heartache of the victims' families has been palpable. Anatoly Varfolomeev, father of Anya, expressed his disgust to Fox News, emphasizing the senseless loss of two young American citizens. Pavel Osokin, Nicholay's father, voiced his confusion and frustration with the justice system's seemingly lenient approach.
This case has reignited the debate over state sanctuary policies versus federal immigration law, sparking discussions about the treatment of illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes. The Trump administration's actions underscore a dedication to ensure that such individuals face the full extent of the law, regardless of their immigration status.
