The Trump administration has taken a firm stance against the early release of an undocumented immigrant convicted in a fatal DUI crash that killed two teenagers, securing cooperation from California Governor Gavin Newsom to pursue federal charges.
Quick Takes
- Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, previously deported in 2013, was sentenced to 10 years for killing two teens while driving drunk in 2021 but is set to be released after serving only 3 years
- ICE has issued a detainer for his arrest, and California’s Department of Corrections has agreed to coordinate with federal authorities
- The US Attorney for the Central District of California has filed federal immigration charges that could result in up to 20 years in prison
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared that the administration “will not tolerate illegal immigrant crime”
- Victim families have expressed outrage over the potential early release, calling it a “slap in the face”
Fatal DUI Case Ignites Immigration Enforcement Action
In November 2021, Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano was driving at nearly 100 mph while intoxicated when he crashed, killing 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin. The illegal immigrant, who had been previously deported in 2013 before unlawfully returning to the United States, was convicted of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Despite receiving a 10-year prison sentence in spring 2022, Ortega-Anguiano is now expected to be released after serving just three years, prompting swift action from the Trump administration and cooperation from California officials.
Bilal Essayli, the US Attorney for the Central District of California, has filed a felony immigration charge against Ortega-Anguiano that could result in substantially more prison time. “My office has filed a felony immigration charge against this defendant,” Essayli posted on X. “He faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted for 8 USC 1326,” he added, referring to the federal statute charging deported illegal migrants who re-enter the US.
BREAKING: Twice deported illegal with long rap sheet including felonies who kiIIed two teens while driving drunk is getting an early release thanks to woke California officials.
He was sentenced to 10 years but now California is releasing him back onto the streets after 3 years.… pic.twitter.com/lEkwwytbAU
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 23, 2025
Families Express Outrage Over Early Release
The families of the victims have vocally opposed the early release, expressing their devastation and concern that Ortega-Anguiano could potentially return to the United States if merely deported again. Anatoly Varfolomeev, father of one of the victims, shared his frustration with the justice system: “It’s disgusting. You have two young, unbelievable future, productive American citizens killed for nothing and that illegal immigrant who already has been deported twice is going to be released again? For what? If even he is deported, he will come back.”
“Three years for killing two kids! It’s confusing to me. Why you give them 10 if they’re gonna spend five, and then three? Give them three in the beginning, at least we know what to expect. It’s sort of spitting in my face,” said Pavel Osokin, father of the other victim.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has indicated that inmates can earn credits for early release through participation in rehabilitative programs. This policy, combined with California’s sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, has raised concerns about potential barriers to Ortega-Anguiano’s transfer to ICE custody upon his release. However, Governor Newsom’s office has confirmed cooperation with federal authorities in this case.
Trump Administration’s Firm Stance on Immigration Enforcement
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been unequivocal about the administration’s position, framing this case as emblematic of broader immigration system failures. “President Trump is not going to tolerate illegal immigrant crime. This individual case represents everything that is wrong with our immigration system,” Leavitt stated, highlighting the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring justice for American victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
Despite potential challenges from judicial decisions that could hinder deportation efforts, the administration appears determined to pursue its immigration enforcement policies. Leavitt has confirmed the Department of Justice’s commitment to seeking a conviction that would extend Ortega-Anguiano’s incarceration, ensuring that he “will spend time in federal prison for taking the lives of those two young Americans.” This case illustrates the administration’s broader strategy of identifying and addressing what it perceives as gaps in the immigration enforcement system, particularly regarding individuals who have committed serious crimes after entering the country illegally.
