Local News

Nearly All Current DACA Recipients Able to Renew Protections Thanks to Court Order

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced that more than 648,000 Dreamers have been able to renew their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections since California secured a preliminary injunction in January 2018. In the two years that have passed since the Trump Administration’s efforts to rescind DACA were blocked nationwide, nearly all current DACA recipients have been able to renew their protections. The data on DACA renewals is published as part of a quarterly report federal immigration authorities are required to file because of the preliminary injunction.

“DACA is an American success story; Dreamers are teachers, healthcare providers, neighbors, leaders, and so much more,” said Attorney General Becerra. “Their heart and tenacity in the face of a concerted effort to rip them from the only home they know is an inspiration. But, it will take all of us working together in our communities and our courts to win the day.”

Special Circumstances Murder Filed Against Gang Members in Fresno County Superior Court for Killings at a Football Watch Party in November

FRESNO - Criminal charges have been filed against multiple Mongolian Boys Society gang members in both the Fresno County Superior Court and in the United States District Court related to the murders of four (4) victims and the attempted murders of twelve (12) victims at a Sunday Night football watch party on the evening of November 17, 2019, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office have announced.

The Federal Felony Complaint filed in U.S. District Court today alleges that Fresno residents Pao Vang, 30; Jhovanny Delgado, 19; and Johnny Xiong, 25, conspired to commit murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1959(a)(5).

Fresno Couple Indicted for Armed Robberies in Fresno

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment today against two Fresno residents, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. Felipe Barajas, 25, was charged with interfering with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Brittney Manzo, 24, is charged with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery.

According to court documents, between Oct. 30 and Nov. 21, 2019, Barajas robbed at gunpoint three commercial establishments in Fresno, and attempted to take money from one other. On Nov. 21, Manzo drove the vehicle in which Felipe Barajas fled after two of the incidents. Manzo led police on a pursuit and ultimately both she and Felipe Barajas were apprehended after the vehicle crashed and both attempted to run away.

Federal Firearm Charge Brought Against Fresno Man Involved in Hit-and-Run

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Mario Alberto Rangel, 28, of Fresno, charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony crime, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2019, law enforcement officers attempted to stop Rangel for a traffic violation, but he failed to yield and fled in the vehicle at a high rate of speed. Out of concern for public safety, the officers ceased their pursuit but continued to drive in the direction that the vehicle had last been seen.

Prison Officials Investigate the Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer

DELANO – Officials at Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) are investigating an incident, which occurred last Saturday on Facility B, as an attempted murder of a peace officer. On Dec. 21, just before 8 a.m., correctional officers instructed inmate Elrader Browning to a search of his person.

Browning quickly produced an inmate-made weapon and began stabbing at staff. Officers gave orders for Browning to stop, but he ignored their orders and continued his attack. Staff used physical force to stop his assaultive actions and confiscate the weapon.