January 1, Illegal Immigrant Accused in Robbery Rampage

Wyatt’s Take

• An illegal immigrant who was deported returned and allegedly committed more armed robberies with an accomplice.
• Both suspects were caught fleeing a 7-Eleven in California and now face serious prison time.
• These crimes highlight the dangers posed by weak border enforcement.

Authorities say Jesus Soto-Parada, 26, and Daniel Pavon, 20, went on a five-month armed robbery spree in Southern California. Both men were arrested on June 13 while trying to escape after robbing a 7-Eleven in Gardena.

“These defendants’ alleged violent crime spree has now earned them federal criminal charges carrying major potential prison time,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada.

Soto-Parada, originally from El Salvador, had already been deported during the spree but came back and was living in Los Angeles. Pavon is from Honduras, but his immigration status is unclear.

Federal authorities previously arrested Soto-Parada for immigration violations in 2016 and 2022. He was deported again in April but returned to commit more robberies. Pavon was arrested in May for having a weapon and admitted to needing a 9 mm pistol for protection.

Prosecutors say the first robbery took place on January 11, with both men and other accomplices hitting stores across Los Angeles and Orange counties. Police stopped them in their car, finding cash, face masks, a tracking device, a replica gun, and black hooded sweatshirts.

A store clerk identified both men as the robbers, mentioning that they wore hooded sweatshirts during the crime. In total, about $13,950 in cash and $7,415 in goods were stolen. The suspects could face up to 20 years in prison for their crimes.

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Wyatt Matters

This crime spree puts a spotlight on lax immigration enforcement and how it can hurt hard-working Americans. Honest folks deserve real safety and strong borders in their hometowns.