California state Senator Tony Strickland is calling for accountability and policy reforms after the planned early release of Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, an illegal immigrant convicted of DUI manslaughter that killed two teenagers in 2021, was exposed. Ortega-Anguiano was set to be released after serving only three and a half years of his 10-year sentence due to California’s in-prison credit system before federal authorities intervened. The controversy has sparked criticism of the state's handling of such cases, with Strickland emphasizing the need for reforms to ensure public safety and accountability. Governor Gavin Newsom's office has stated plans to coordinate with ICE to transfer Ortega-Anguiano before his release. Strickland criticizes the Democratic majority in Sacramento for being unresponsive to concerns about early releases and believes that increased public awareness could lead to positive changes in state leadership and policies.

State Senator Tony Strickland is demanding changes to California's in-prison credit system after an illegal immigrant, Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, was scheduled for early release despite a conviction for a DUI crash that killed two teenagers in 2021.

Ortega-Anguiano was initially set to be released after serving only three and a half years of a ten-year sentence, prompting federal authorities to intervene and take him into custody to prevent his early release.

Strickland argues that the essential role of government is public safety, and the current system of in-prison credits undermines this by allowing criminals to re-enter communities prematurely, reducing safety rather than enhancing it.

Governor Gavin Newsom's office plans to transfer Ortega-Anguiano to ICE custody, highlighting a need for greater cooperation between state and federal authorities in handling cases involving illegal immigrants with serious criminal records.

The exposure of this case has led to increased public scrutiny of California's criminal justice policies, with Strickland noting a growing awareness among residents of the state's leadership issues, as well as the necessity for reform.

Families of the victims were informed of the planned early release on Easter Sunday, but subsequent federal charges against Ortega-Anguiano aim to ensure he remains incarcerated longer.

Strickland criticizes the lack of response from the Democratic supermajority in California's legislature and Governor Newsom, suggesting they are preoccupied with national politics rather than focusing on state issues.