Democratic leaders in Virginia’s largest county are under fire for a rising “epidemic” of violent crime linked to illegal immigrants, resulting in 13 fatalities in the suburbs close to Washington, D.C.
In Fairfax County, a D.C. suburb, seven undocumented immigrants have recently been apprehended for serious offenses, including infanticide, machete murders, and gang-related violence.
Despite these arrests, critics argue that county officials are placing the interests of undocumented immigrants above the safety of residents by enforcing sanctuary policies that restrict collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). New Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger is also criticized for rescinding the state’s previous cooperation policy with ICE on her first day in office.
Katie Gorka, Chairwoman of the Fairfax County Republican Party, labeled the surge in violence an “epidemic” affecting the local community. She attributed the situation to the actions of the local Commonwealth’s Attorney, Steve Descano, and the Democrat-led Board of Supervisors.
Misael López Gomez – Infanticide
Misael López Gomez, 28, was arrested on charges of felony murder and child abuse for allegedly killing his three-month-old daughter. The incident occurred in Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia, where police discovered signs of abuse during their investigation. Preliminary autopsy results indicated the baby died from blunt force trauma. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described López-Gomez as a “cold-blooded killer.” It was reported that he crossed the border illegally in July 2023.
Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy – Stabbing
In another case, Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, 38, faces second-degree murder charges for a stabbing that happened in Bailey’s Crossroads. Local authorities found a man with multiple stab wounds who later died in the hospital. ICE has requested that Fairfax County detain him, and officials confirmed he is in the U.S. illegally.
Abdul Jallow – Repeat Offender
Fairfax County police arrested Abdul Jallow, 32, more than a month before Chavarria Muy’s arrest. He was charged with second-degree murder following the stabbing death of a 41-year-old woman. Jallow has been arrested over 30 times since entering the U.S. illegally in 2012, and his previous charges include serious crimes like rape and aggravated assault.
Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez – Shooting Incident
Another immigrant, Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez, was charged with second-degree murder after being released despite ICE’s request for his detention. The DHS condemned local policies after he was arrested for murder related to a shooting in Reston, Virginia.
Mardin Anibal Guzmán – Mob Murder
Mardin Anibal Guzmán, 27, was found guilty of mob murder in connection with a 2024 killing. He reportedly received a plea deal allowing him to serve only five years in prison, despite having entered the U.S. illegally in 2018.
Elmar de Jesús Alas Candeley – MS-13 Involvement
Elmar de Jesús Alas Candeley, an undocumented immigrant and MS-13 gang member, was convicted of multiple murders, including five that occurred between 2018 and 2022. Allegations suggest he and his gang lured victims under false pretenses before killing them.
Jose Iraheta Palacios – Triple Murder-Suicide
In a tragic incident in Herndon, Virginia, Jose Iraheta Palacios killed his partner and two children before taking his own life in June 2021. He had a criminal history that included gang-related charges and was deported but later returned to the U.S.
The Virginia Republican Party claims that the local Democratic leadership prioritizes the rights of criminals over the safety of families. Gorka criticized the current administration’s handling of crime, emphasizing a decline in felony prosecutions and advocating for stricter law enforcement collaboration with ICE.
Residents of Fairfax County are reportedly frustrated with what they see as a failure by the Democratic Party to prioritize community safety, expressing a desire for change in local leadership.
