An illegal immigrant convicted in the deaths of two California teenagers faces new federal charges following public outcry over his planned early release.
According to Fox News, Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, who was set to be released after serving only 3.5 years of his 10-year sentence for a deadly drunk driving crash, now faces up to 20 years in federal prison on immigration charges.
The Trump administration's swift action comes after revelations that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation planned to release Ortega-Anguiano on July 19, despite his conviction for killing 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin in a high-speed crash while driving under the influence.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California announced felony immigration charges against Ortega-Anguiano under 8 USC 1326. The charges represent a direct challenge to California's decision to grant early release. Attorney General Pam Bondi has pledged to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure maximum punishment.
Border czar Tom Homan made clear that federal authorities would not allow Ortega-Anguiano to evade custody, even if California refuses to honor ICE's detainer. ICE officials plan to apprehend him immediately upon release if necessary. The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and California's sanctuary policies.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation defended its early release decision, citing credits earned through rehabilitation programs. However, they declined to provide specific details about Ortega-Anguiano's release date or location, citing security protocols.
Anatoly Varfolomeev, father of victim Anya, expressed outrage at the state's decision. He emphasized the devastating loss of two promising young lives.
Pavel Osokin, father of Nicholay, shared his frustration with the justice system and what he views as an inadequate sentence:
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.
Both families are actively petitioning state authorities to prevent Ortega-Anguiano's release. They argue that the shortened sentence fails to deliver justice for their children's deaths.
The tragic incident occurred in November 2021 on Orange County's 405 freeway. Ortega-Anguiano was driving at nearly 100 mph while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. His reckless actions resulted in a devastating crash that killed both teenagers, who were trapped in their burning vehicle.
The severity of the crash and Ortega-Anguiano's prior deportation record factored into his original 10-year sentence. He was convicted in spring 2022 on two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The case gained renewed attention when families received notice of his planned release on Easter Sunday.
Without federal intervention, Ortega-Anguiano would have been released to Garden Grove, an Orange County suburb near Los Angeles. The shortened sentence sparked debate about California's criminal justice reforms and their impact on public safety.
Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, originally sentenced to 10 years for killing teenagers Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin while driving drunk and high in 2021, now faces additional federal charges that could keep him imprisoned for up to 20 years. The Trump administration filed these charges after learning of California's plans to release him in July 2024, just 3.5 years into his sentence. The case has become a flashpoint in ongoing debates over immigration enforcement, with federal authorities promising to take him into custody regardless of California's sanctuary policies.
