ICE Arrests in Virginia Nearly Triple Under Trump Administration
Since President Donald Trump took office, arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Virginia have surged, nearly tripling compared to the previous administration. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlighted some of the “worst of the worst” violent offenders apprehended in the state.
The DHS noted that these individuals hailing from Central America and the Caribbean, like El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, were involved in a range of serious crimes. These included drug smuggling, domestic violence, sexual assault, terrorist threats, and extortion.
“Last week, ICE targeted sex offenders, rapists, drug traffickers, and violent criminals throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These arrests reflect the dangers of open borders and sanctuary policies that let criminals infiltrate our country. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are committed to keeping America safe and will continue utilizing all available resources to achieve this.”
Recently, tensions within a major blue county have been alleviated, reportedly due to ICE’s intervention following ten violent arrests of illegal immigrants.
One notable case involved Wester Antonio Jacobo Morales, a Guatemalan who had been deported in 2016. Despite this, he reentered the U.S. illegally and was arrested in Richmond last week for charges including rape and extortion. Similarly, Daniel Sokpatzan, another Guatemalan, had faced a final removal order in 2013 but stayed in the country, only to be apprehended by ICE last week for multiple assaults.
Another individual, Harvin Francisco Rivera-Diaz from Nicaragua, had a past involving sexual abuse and was arrested after crossing the southern border in 2022 during the Biden administration. On the same day, Adolfo Flores Ramirez from El Salvador was detained in Loudoun County, with a criminal record that includes domestic violence and drunk driving.
The ICE operations didn’t stop there; they also involved arrests of individuals from Caribbean nations. Shanovan Email Facey from Jamaica had a final deportation order back in 2013 but remained in the U.S., facing charges for drug smuggling and weapon possession. Elvin Tiburcio Mirambeau from the Dominican Republic was arrested in Norfolk last week, with offenses that include making terrorist threats.
Past operations have seen similar arrests, targeting undocumented gang members, murderers, and child predators across various states.
For instance, Juan Carlos Marin Hipolito, a Mexican national, was sentenced to up to life in prison for murder, while Diego Fernandez Martinez, also from Mexico, had a history of multiple crimes including robbery and gang affiliation.
During a recent roundup, ICE captured illegal aliens convicted of heinous offenses such as sexual abuse and murder. According to DHS, about 70% of those arrested by ICE are illegal immigrants with either charges or prior convictions in the U.S.
With significant elections approaching in Virginia, candidates for governor and attorney general were asked for their opinions on the recent arrests. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward violent criminals, while his opponent, Democratic candidate Jay Jones, was criticized for wanting to establish a sanctuary state, which some argue would hinder law enforcement’s ability to keep the public safe.
Interestingly, responses from candidates Spanberger, Jones, and Sears were not received.
