Obama Radical Judge Releases Illegal MS-13 Gang Member Convicted of Murder

A growing number of Democrat rogue judges are waging open war on the rule of law, substituting ideology for statute and personal politics for public safety. By blocking deportations, freeing violent offenders, and nullifying duly enacted laws, these judges are not “checking power,” they are seizing it, overriding the will of voters and lawmakers alike. The result is predictable: communities put at risk, law enforcement undermined, and a justice system that rewards contempt for the law while punishing those tasked with enforcing it. This is not judicial independence; it is judicial sabotage—an assault on law and order and on the American way of life itself, which depends on equal application of the law, not rule by robe.

A Nevada federal judge ordered the release of an illegal immigrant and convicted murderer with MS-13 gang ties, despite warnings from the Justice Department that his release poses a serious public-safety risk. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II ruled that the government improperly attempted to deport Harvey Laureano-Rosales without due process, leading to his immediate release. Federal prosecutors strongly objected, noting that Laureano-Rosales has a final order of removal and is required by law to remain in immigration custody. The U.S. attorney’s office says it will pursue further legal action, warning that freeing a convicted murderer and suspected gang member into the community conflicts with federal law and endangers the public.

Nevada judge frees convicted MS-13 killer despite government warnings about public safety

Harvey Laureano-Rosales was convicted of first-degree murder and has been in ICE custody for over 2 years

By Alexandra Koch, Fox News, January 30, 2026:

Despite a Justice Department warning, a Nevada judge recently ordered the immediate release of an illegal immigrant and MS-13 gang member convicted of murder back into the community.

U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II, nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2014, ordered the Jan. 21 release of El Salvador national Harvey Laureano-Rosales, a 54-year-old who illegally entered the U.S. in 1987.

Court documents allege the government was attempting to deport Laureano-Rosales to Mexico without due process, and in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, prompting his release.

The Nevada U.S. attorney’s office said it will seek further legal action, noting Laureano-Rosales’ release poses a risk to public safety.

Laureano-Rosales allegedly has tattoos identifying him as an MS-13 gang member. (John Alle/Santa Monica Coalition)

“Our office remains committed to protecting public safety and enforcing the law remain top priorities,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada Sigal Chattah wrote in a statement. “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,” she added.

The U.S. attorney’s office said Laureano-Rosales has a final order of removal from the U.S., meaning he is required by federal law to remain in immigration custody, and releasing him conflicts with that law.

Migrants at the southern border

While Laureano-Rosales’ immigration case was ongoing, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ordered removal should proceed, triggering the mandatory detention period required by federal immigration law.

Court documents allege when Laureano-Rosales entered the U.S. nearly 40 years ago at age 16, he became a member of MS-13, kick-starting a violent criminal career.

He was convicted of a number of gang-related crimes, including first-degree murder, and granted parole in November 2022.