WA sanctuary policies blamed after 2 Mexican men with prior deportations sentenced for 'illegal reentry after removal'

Two Mexican nationals who were previously deported multiple times were sentenced in Western Washington after once again illegally reentering the United States. Federal prosecutors point to Washington state’s sanctuary policies as a contributing factor in their repeated release back into the community.

Jorge Velasquez-Sandoval, 36, and Filadelfo Garcia Garcia, 36, were each sentenced for illegal reentry after removal, a federal offense, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Both men had been deported twice before returning to the United States.

“These cases typify what we are seeing as the sanctuary policies of Washington State prohibit local officials from cooperating with immigration enforcement,” said First Assistant US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.

Floyd pointed to Velasquez-Sandoval’s case as an example of what happens when local authorities do not coordinate with federal immigration agents. Velasquez-Sandoval was arrested in Snohomish County in October 2024 for fourth-degree assault involving domestic violence, but was released before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could take him into custody.

He was later arrested again in September 2025 for violating a protection order related to that same incident. Only after that second arrest were federal agents able to obtain a judicial warrant and take him into custody on February 5, 2026. He pleaded guilty later that month.

At sentencing, US District Judge James L. Robart sharply criticized Velasquez-Sandoval’s repeated lawbreaking. “It is clear that Mr. Velasquez-Sandoval has no respect for the law… It looks to me that I’ve got somebody who’s essentially committing crimes every time he’s here,” Robart said.

Velasquez-Sandoval had first been ordered removed from the United States in 2009 and deported through California. After being encountered again in 2015, he was deported a second time through Arizona. Despite that history, he was able to return and remain in the country until his most recent arrest. He was sentenced to time served, about 54 days, and will now be held by immigration authorities pending removal.

In a separate case, Garcia Garcia was sentenced on April 9 after authorities say he also reentered the country illegally following two prior deportations in 2018 and 2019. Federal prosecutors highlighted Garcia Garcia’s extensive history of driving under the influence, including DUI convictions in 2014, 2016, and 2025, along with multiple additional DUI-related arrests. Court filings also noted arrests for ignition interlock violations and a 2017 hit-and-run incident.

In December 2025, federal agents learned Garcia Garcia had been arrested in Lewis County and obtained a warrant for his arrest. At sentencing, US District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead underscored the danger posed by impaired driving. “I shouldn’t have to tell you that drinking and driving is serious… I take that seriously,” Whitehead said. Garcia Garcia was sentenced to time served, approximately 28 days, and will be transferred to immigration authorities for removal proceedings.

Floyd warned that cases like these could have more serious consequences if policies remain unchanged. “This criminal alien was repeatedly released back into the community rather than turning him over to immigration authorities,” Floyd said, adding that “it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed” if cooperation with federal enforcement does not improve.