A Los Angeles judge granted asylum yesterday to Alex Sanchez, a former gang member turned community leader. Alex was facing deportation to his native El Salvador because of his undocumented status. He said a deportation order would be tantamount to an execution order.

The Los Angeles Police Department turned Sanchez over to the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 2000 after arresting him on charges that were later dropped. Sanchez was arrested after providing an alibi for a teenager charged with murder; Sanchez said the teenager was at his organization, Homies Unidos, at the time the murder occurred. The youth was arrested by the Ramparts police, well-known for their corruption.

Guest:

• Alex Sanchez, gang member turned community leader.