In Oregon, the role of Juan Pablo Villalobos Garcia, a Venezuelan national, on multiple health policy committees has become a focal point of contention. Garcia, who remained in the United States after his B2 tourist visa expired, has a criminal history that includes a conviction for three counts of sexual abuse in 2020 and a failure to register as a sex offender in 2023. Despite these convictions, Garcia was appointed to serve on Oregon’s Community Engagement and Communications Committee, which provides advice to the Universal Health Plan Governance Board responsible for the development of a single-payer healthcare system.
The board’s mandate is to extend healthcare coverage to all residents of Oregon, including undocumented immigrants. Garcia's involvement in the committees, which focus on healthcare access and crisis response, has raised significant public safety concerns, especially from federal authorities who argue that sanctuary policies in states like Oregon may inadvertently protect individuals with a criminal background from federal oversight.
Garcia's committee responsibilities included developing outreach strategies, producing educational materials, and offering policy recommendations. The committees aimed to reflect the state's diversity, prioritizing candidates from immigrant, refugee, and minority backgrounds. As a member, Garcia received stipends for attendance and contributions.
Notably, Garcia has been listed as the executive director of the LatinX Recovery Center and as a certified peer support specialist, with a professional background in nonprofit leadership and behavioral health education. His personal experiences with substance use disorders and the criminal justice system have been cited as influential in his career.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed Garcia's visa overstay and criticized Oregon's sanctuary policies for allowing an individual with a criminal background to serve in such roles. DHS has emphasized that ignoring federal law can result in public safety threats and legal consequences. In response to the controversy, the LatinX Recovery Center has defended Garcia, portraying him as a reformed individual dedicated to community service, particularly in supporting those with addiction and navigating the justice system.
The revelation of Garcia's participation has led to calls for more rigorous vetting and oversight of state advisory boards. Critics argue that combination of sanctuary policies and current selection processes can enable individuals with serious criminal histories to affect public policy, potentially endangering communities. Consequently, there is a growing demand among lawmakers and advocacy groups for enhanced background checks and structural reforms to safeguard accountability and uphold public trust.
