❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Virginia have nearly tripled under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, with a focus on capturing dangerous and violent offenders.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: ICE, illegal immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean, and Homeland Security officials.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Recent arrests across Virginia, including Richmond, Loudoun County, and Norfolk.
💬KEY QUOTE: “These arrests underscore the reality of open border and sanctuary policies that allowed criminals around the world to come to America and roam free across our country.” – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
🎯IMPACT: The arrests highlight ICE’s focus on removing violent offenders and the ongoing mass deportations effort in Virginia and nationwide.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Virginia have sharply increased under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, nearly tripling compared to the previous administration. Homeland Security officials said the arrests included illegal immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean, specifically from El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, many of whom had previously been deported or had final removal orders.
The illegals taken into custody were accused or convicted of crimes ranging from rape, domestic violence, and extortion to drug smuggling and other violent offenses. For instance, Westher Antonio Jacobo Morales, a Guatemalan national deported in 2016 who returned illegally and was later charged with rape and extortion.
ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “These arrests underscore the reality of open border and sanctuary policies that allowed criminals around the world to come to America and roam free across our country.”
The surge in enforcement comes as Virginia prepares for statewide elections, where immigration and public safety have become central campaign issues. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares said, “Disobedience of the law has no place in Virginia,” emphasizing the state’s commitment to enforcing immigration and criminal laws. ICE reports that roughly 70 percent of its arrests involve migrants who have been charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States.
The Virginia operations reflect a broader national escalation in ICE activity. Earlier this year, ICE reported record-high arrests of migrant sex offenders, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions. The agency’s expanded operations are part of an intensified national policy. Border Czar Tom Homan recently said he plans to “turbocharge” ICE arrests using additional funding provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
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