ICE detains three undocumented immigrants in Virginia on child sexual abuse charges
ICE has taken into custody three undocumented individuals in Virginia accused of offenses involving minors after the state halted cooperation with the agency.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested three undocumented immigrants in Virginia on allegations of sexual offenses against children, following Governor Abigail Spanberger's decision to end statewide cooperation with the agency. According to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the three individuals are being held at the same jail in Staunton, and he called on the governor and other sanctuary officials to refuse any release and to turn the detainees over to ICE.
The suspects include Efren Ramirez Escobedo of Mexico, previously charged with assault of a 13- to 14-year-old, Bayron Jose De Paz-Lopez of Guatemala, and Santos Bautista-Molina of Honduras, each facing nine counts of child solicitation and attempted assault. De Paz-Lopez entered the country in 2021 and was released by the previous administration, while Bautista-Molina has lived in the U.S. illegally since 2005. Officials argue that the state's sanctuary policies attract criminal activity and pose a risk to residents.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions between state sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement over public safety.
How this story developed
- Aug 18 Justice Department urges appeals court to revive smuggling charges against deported Salvadoran
- Aug 18 The Justice Department submitted a brief asking the 6th Circuit to reverse the dismissal.
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