Illegal Aliens Arrested in Virginia Child Exploitation Sting

According to the Department of Homeland Security, three of the nine men arrested in a child exploitation operation in Virginia are undocumented immigrants with extensive criminal backgrounds. These three individuals have been released on bond.

Police reported that the suspects traveled to Fairfax County hoping to engage in sexual activities with minors after having explicit conversations online with undercover officers posing as juveniles.

The three undocumented individuals are Reyben Leono Sanchez Hernandez, 21, and Wilmer Alexander Aguilar Cruz, 28, both from El Salvador, along with Henry Adalberto Flores Herrera, 39, as identified by DHS.

DHS indicated that these men had previously been apprehended for illegal entry into the U.S. but were released during the Obama administration. They criticized the administration’s immigration policies, along with Fairfax County’s “sanctuary” policies, for contributing to an increase in criminal activity among illegal immigrants.

Sanchez Hernandez has a criminal record that includes solicitation of prostitution from a minor and charges related to driving on a suspended license. He was initially caught entering the U.S. illegally near the Rio Grande Valley in September 2013 and was released about a month later.

Despite an ICE detainer placed on him in late July, local police reported he was released on a $3,000 secured bond.

Aguilar Cruz was detained by Border Patrol near Hidalgo, Texas, in late 2012 but was released into the U.S. shortly thereafter. His criminal history involves serious allegations, including soliciting a child online and extortion. In 2019, he faced charges in Virginia for making threats regarding violence and was subsequently arrested by ICE, only to be released on bond later that year.

Like his counterpart, Aguilar Cruz was also ultimately released on a $3,000 secured bond following a detainer placed by ICE.

Flores Herrera carries a criminal history that includes felony solicitation of prostitution from a minor and other offenses. He had an ICE detainer placed on him in mid-July, and he has since been released on a $5,000 secured bond. It’s unclear how he entered the country.

A DHS representative pointed fingers at former President Obama and current leadership for policies they claim have allowed millions of illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. without proper vetting. The spokesperson criticized these leaders for “handing over criminal illegal aliens” to communities, underscoring the law enforcement initiatives under the current administration aimed at addressing illegal immigration more strictly.

The department has encouraged Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to work closer with ICE in detaining immigrants who should not be in the country. They emphasized the necessity of prioritizing community safety and turning over these individuals to enforcement activities.