The Trump administration is moving to file federal immigration charges after learning that Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, an illegal immigrant convicted of killing two American teenagers in a 2021 DUI crash, is set to be released over six years early by California state officials.
Ortega-Anguiano was convicted in 2022 of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated after a horrific crash in Orange County, California, where he drove under the influence of alcohol and drugs at nearly 100 mph, slamming into a car carrying 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin. Both victims burned alive in their vehicle following the impact.
Now, less than four years into his 10-year sentence, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) plans to release him on July 19, citing “rehabilitative credits.” The victims’ families were reportedly notified of the decision on Easter Sunday, sparking outrage.
Federal Authorities Step In
“This defendant now faces up to 20 years in federal prison under 8 USC 1326,” said Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.
“If the State of California will not seek the full measure of justice, the Department of Justice will.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi called the decision “absolutely unconscionable,” questioning the state’s commitment to justice for the victims.
“What about justice for these teens? What about the rights of their parents?” she tweeted, vowing that DOJ would partner with ICE to ensure Ortega-Anguiano is held accountable.
ICE has already issued a detainer for his arrest upon release. However, California’s sanctuary state policies leave the possibility open that local officials may not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
“He’s Been Deported Twice — And He’ll Come Back Again”
Tom Homan, former Acting Director of ICE and current border czar, promised swift federal action if the state does not honor the detainer.
“We’ll have ICE agents waiting outside that facility to take custody and deport him,” he said during an appearance on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom”.
CDCR declined to give public confirmation of Ortega-Anguiano’s release date or destination, but documents reviewed by Fox News indicate he is expected to be released to Garden Grove, a suburb in Orange County.
Meanwhile, the families of the teens are fighting back.
“Three years for killing two kids? It’s disgusting,” said Anatoly Varfolomeev, Anya’s father.
“This man was already deported twice, and now he’s getting out again? If he’s deported, he’ll just come back.”
Pavel Osokin, Nicholay’s father, added:
“I hope he grows old in prison — and then gets kicked out of our country for good.”
Justice Delayed, or Denied?
The case has reignited national debate over sanctuary policies, immigration enforcement, and sentencing reforms that allow inmates to significantly reduce their time behind bars. Critics argue that Ortega-Anguiano’s early release is a betrayal to the victims and their families, and emblematic of a justice system that’s failing those it’s meant to protect.
A $25,000 reward remains in place for any information that leads to new charges or action in the case.