Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Juan Jose Leonardo De Leon on October 19 in Los Angeles. De Leon, originally from Guatemala, had previously been released by Los Angeles authorities despite an ICE detainer.
De Leon's criminal history includes convictions for possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and grand theft of copper materials. He was also arrested for receiving stolen property and grand theft auto.
In January 2026, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested De Leon on the grand theft charge. ICE lodged a detainer against him, but Los Angeles authorities released him rather than honoring the hold.
De Leon was lawfully admitted to the United States in February 2004. His authorized period expired in April 2004, after which he remained in the country illegally.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE's arrest of De Leon was part of broader immigration enforcement efforts. The department's statement also cited other cases involving undocumented immigrants charged with crimes in California and other states.