Admin: New article: MS-13 convicted murderer released by Obama-appointed judge despite DOJ warnings

2026-03-09T03:04:15Z

New article: MS-13 convicted murderer released by Obama-appointed judge despite DOJ warnings

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'''Harvey Laureano-Rosales Release (Nevada, 2026)''' documents the January 2026 court-ordered release of Harvey Laureano-Rosales, a 54-year-old El Salvadoran MS-13 gang member convicted of first-degree murder and multiple attempted murders, by U.S. District Judge '''Richard F. Boulware II''', an Obama appointee. The release was ordered despite a final order of removal and DOJ warnings about public safety risks.

== Background ==

Laureano-Rosales entered the United States illegally in 1987 at age 16, becoming a member of MS-13.<ref name="fox">{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/nevada-judge-frees-convicted-ms-13-killer-despite-government-warnings-about-public-safety|title=Nevada judge frees convicted MS-13 killer despite government warnings about public safety|publisher=Fox News|date=January 31, 2026}}</ref><ref name="8news">{{cite web|url=https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/federal-judge-in-las-vegas-orders-release-of-convicted-murderer-with-ms-13-ties/|title=Federal judge in Las Vegas orders release of convicted murderer with MS-13 ties|publisher=8 News Now (KLAS)|date=January 24, 2026}}</ref>

=== Criminal History ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Charges !! Details
|-
| 1996 || Possession/selling sawed-off shotgun; possession/manufacturing/selling dangerous weapon || California
|-
| 1997 || Possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver; carrying concealed weapon || Iowa
|-
| 1997 || Illegal entry || Colorado
|-
| 1997 || '''First-degree murder''', two counts of '''attempted murder''', use of a firearm, possession of a firearm by ex-felon || All gang-related; received '''multiple life sentences'''
|}

Laureano-Rosales spent more than '''25 years''' in prison, where he joined the '''Mexican Mafia''' prison gang. He was granted parole in '''November 2022'''.<ref name="8news"/>

== ICE Detention and Removal Order ==

Days after being paroled, Laureano-Rosales was taken into ICE custody, where he remained for approximately two and a half years. He was ordered removed to El Salvador. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered removal to proceed, triggering mandatory detention under federal immigration law.<ref name="fox"/><ref name="8news"/>

=== Fear-Based Claims ===

During a May 2023 interview, Laureano-Rosales claimed he feared being tortured or killed in El Salvador for leaving MS-13 and the Mexican Mafia, citing his visible MS-13 tattoos. The Board of Immigration Appeals granted him '''deferral of removal to Mexico''' based on risk of torture.<ref name="8news"/>

The government attempted to remove him to Mexico on at least two occasions — June 25, 2025 and November 2025 — but was blocked by legal challenges.<ref name="8news"/>

== Judge Boulware's Order (January 21, 2026) ==

U.S. District Judge '''Richard F. Boulware II''', nominated by President Obama in 2014, ordered Laureano-Rosales' '''immediate release''' on January 21, 2026. The order:<ref name="8news"/>

* Found the federal government violated Laureano-Rosales' due process rights
* Prohibited removal to Mexico or any third country until full adjudication of fear-based claims
* Acknowledged Laureano-Rosales' criminal history "while also acknowledging that he has served a lengthy sentence and been paroled for these crimes"
* Referenced "alarming incidents" including an ICE officer allegedly telling Laureano-Rosales he could be put on a plane to El Salvador and suggesting he buy his own ticket to Mexico

Boulware stated his attorneys claimed he was no longer affiliated with MS-13 or the Mexican Mafia at the time of his prison release.<ref name="8news"/>

== Government Response ==

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada announced it would seek further legal action. First Assistant U.S. Attorney '''Sigal Chattah''' stated:<ref name="fox"/>

{{quote|Our office remains committed to protecting public safety and enforcing the law remain top priorities. In this matter, however, the outcome results in the release of a convicted murderer and known MS-13 gang member into the community, raising serious public-safety concerns. We are deeply troubled by the risks posed to the public and will continue to pursue all lawful avenues to address those concerns and safeguard the community.}}

The U.S. Attorney's office noted Laureano-Rosales has a final order of removal, meaning federal law requires him to remain in immigration custody, and releasing him conflicts with that law.<ref name="fox"/>

== Significance ==

* A convicted murderer and MS-13 member with multiple life sentences was released into the community
* The judge was an Obama appointee who cited due process concerns over public safety
* The federal government had a final removal order but was blocked from executing it
* The case became part of the broader national debate over judicial resistance to Trump-era immigration enforcement
* Similar to the [[Harvey Laureano-Rosales Release (Nevada, 2026)|Kilmar Abrego Garcia case]], where courts intervened to block deportation of gang-affiliated individuals

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Justice Watch]]

Harvey Laureano-Rosales Release (Nevada, 2026) - Revision history

Admin: New article: MS-13 convicted murderer released by Obama-appointed judge despite DOJ warnings