Juan Pablo Villalobos Garcia, a Venezuelan national who overstayed his B2 tourist visa, has come under scrutiny for serving on multiple Oregon health policy committees despite a criminal record that includes a 2020 conviction for three counts of sexual abuse and a 2023 failure to register as a sex offender.
Federal authorities said his participation in state advisory roles raises serious public safety concerns and underscores the risks of sanctuary policies that shield criminal illegal immigrants.
Garcia held a position on Oregon’s Community Engagement and Communications Committee, which advises the Universal Health Plan Governance Board.
According to The Washington Examiner, the board oversees the development of a single-payer healthcare system intended to cover all residents, including those without legal immigration status.
Committee members provide guidance on outreach strategies, help produce educational materials and offer policy recommendations.
Appointments are designed to reflect Oregon’s racial, ethnic and regional diversity.
In addition, Garcia served on the Behavioral Health Crisis System Advisory Committee, which informs the Oregon Health Authority on statewide crisis response and the Health Equity Committee under the Oregon Health Policy Board, tasked with reducing disparities in healthcare access.
Both committees use an intersectional scoring system that prioritizes candidates representing immigrant, refugee, and minority populations.
Members receive daily stipends for participating in meetings and contributing to committee work.
Committee profiles list Garcia as executive director of the LatinX Recovery Center and a certified peer support specialist.
He identified with “they/them” pronouns on his 2024 membership bio, despite his current LinkedIn profile stating otherwise.
Garcia also emphasized that he represents Indigenous populations in South America as well as Spanish-speaking BIPOC communities in Central America.
His professional experience spans nonprofit leadership, behavioral health education and advocacy for individuals recovering from addiction or navigating the justice system.
Garcia’s LinkedIn profile and counseling site biography highlight his combination of professional and lived experience.
He emphasizes leadership of nonprofit programs, training behavioral health professionals and creating educational initiatives.
He credits personal experience with substance use disorders and the criminal justice system for shaping his career and lists preparation, motivation and professional ethics as guiding principles.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Garcia’s visa overstay and criticized Oregon’s sanctuary policies for allowing someone with criminal convictions to serve in advisory roles.
DHS emphasized that criminal illegal immigrants pose threats to public safety and warned that violations of federal law carry consequences.
The LatinX Recovery Center defended Garcia, claiming he was “abducted by ICE without a warrant” and portraying him as sober and committed to community service.
The organization highlighted his work supporting people dealing with addiction and assisting those involved in the justice system.
Garcia told the Behavioral Health Crisis System Advisory Committee in March 2024 that he has lived in Oregon for at least 10 years.
His committee participation has prompted calls for stricter vetting and oversight of state advisory boards.
Critics argue that sanctuary policies combined with current selection processes may allow individuals with serious criminal histories to influence public policy, potentially putting communities at risk.
Lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging enhanced background checks and reforms to ensure accountability and maintain public trust.
