ICE detains non-citizens in Virginia following criminal arrests

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported two instances where non-citizens facing criminal charges were subject to immigration detainers in Virginia.

In Loudoun County, Isaac Melendez-Carranza, a 31-year-old Salvadoran national, was arrested by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl near a school. ICE lodged an immigration detainer and a warrant of removal at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. Officials noted the facility maintains a 287(g) agreement with ICE, despite opposition from Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger regarding federal immigration law enforcement.

In Fairfax County, ICE agents arrested Oscar Evaristo Nunez, a Honduran national, after he was released from local custody despite facing charges of aggravated sexual battery and filming minors without consent. Although ICE had lodged a detainer for Nunez, Fairfax County officials released him back into the community. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized local officials for failing to honor the detainer, stating that ICE has since taken Nunez into custody pending deportation.