Arrest of DACA Recipient on Child Pornography Charges

Jorge Gilberto Zamorano-Burciaga, a 36-year-old from Mexico who was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in 2013, has been charged with over 20 counts related to the possession and distribution of child pornography in Virginia. This comes as Governor Abigail Spanberger has ceased collaboration with federal immigration authorities.

Law enforcement in Rocky Mount, Virginia, arrested Zamorano-Burciaga following an investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

The charges against him include nine counts of possessing child pornography, six counts of producing it involving a child under 15, three counts of reproducing child pornography, two counts of possessing obscene material featuring minors, and one count related to the reproduction, transmission, or sale of child pornography.

Prior to these allegations, Zamorano-Burciaga had previous convictions for drunk driving and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

“This illegal alien from Mexico has been charged with more than 20 counts related to the possession and distribution of child pornography,” commented Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

Following his arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on Zamorano-Burciaga, intending to take custody of him when he is released from state custody.

Mullin further urged Governor Spanberger and other officials who support sanctuary policies to prevent the release of Zamorano-Burciaga from jail, emphasizing the need for cooperation with ICE to facilitate his removal from the country. He criticized these sanctuary policies for attracting illegal immigrants and endangering American lives.

Zamorano-Burciaga illegally crossed into the U.S. without being apprehended. After applying for DACA status in February 2013, he was granted it later that year, but his status expired in October 2018.

He is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail.