Bill Essayli, the new U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, has announced plans to pursue immigration charges against Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, a man about to be released from state prison. Ortega-Anguiano is serving a 10-year sentence for a 2021 crash on the 405 Freeway that killed two teenagers, Anya Varfolomeev and Nikolay Osokin.
Ortega-Anguiano, now 43, pleaded guilty to two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the crash, which occurred when he was speeding at nearly 95 mph. The impact caused the victims’ car to burst into flames.
Essayli, who took office earlier this month, highlighted the case during a recent statement. He expressed concern that Ortega-Anguiano could be released after serving only three years of his sentence, which has sparked outrage among officials. "If the State of California will not seek the full measure of justice against this individual, the Justice Department will," he stated.
Pending federal immigration charges could result in Ortega-Anguiano facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted of illegally reentering the United States after being deported twice before. Despite the serious nature of his crimes, there are concerns about his potential early release, which has prompted a commitment from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure he is transferred to federal custody before his release.
Ortega-Anguiano’s history includes previous convictions for burglary, vehicle theft, and domestic violence. His case has drawn attention not only for the tragic loss of life but also for the broader implications regarding public safety and immigration enforcement. As he approaches eligibility for parole in July, the situation remains tense, with federal and state officials at odds over the handling of his release.