Virginia Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger and local authorities in Northern Virginia are facing a growing number of detainment requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after two more individuals without legal status were arrested for murder in Fairfax County this week.

Recent Arrests and ICE Detainers

Infant Murder Case

ICE lodged a detainer for Misael Lopez Gomez, a 28-year-old Guatemalan national, charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse. He is accused of fatally beating his 3-month-old daughter. ICE sources indicate Lopez Gomez allegedly entered the U.S. in July 2023.

Machete Stabbing

Another detainer was issued for Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, also a Guatemalan national, following his arrest for second-degree murder in a machete stabbing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has directly appealed to Governor Spanberger and Fairfax County officials not to release Chavarria Muy. DHS called the case “another preventable tragedy.”

Governor Spanberger’s Policies and DHS Response

These cases are the latest in a series of high-profile crimes involving individuals without legal status in Northern Virginia. Governor Spanberger’s first executive actions included an order limiting cooperation between state and local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.

Other Notable Cases

  • Israel Flores Ortiz – An 18-year-old Salvadoran national facing 13 counts of assault and battery for allegedly groping a dozen female students at a Fairfax County high school. ICE has also lodged a detainer for Ortiz.
  • Abdul Jalloh – A Sierra Leone national charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman at a bus stop in February. Jalloh has an extensive criminal history with over 30 arrests.

DHS has lamented “yet another life lost in a sanctuary county at the hands of a criminal alien who should have never been here in the first place.” The agency criticized Fairfax County’s history of refusing to honor ICE detainers, questioning when “sanctuary politicians” will prioritize American lives.

White House Response

The White House’s social media account also commented on the situation, criticizing Democrats for blocking funding for ICE and seeking changes that would reduce the agency’s effectiveness. Fox News Digital has reached out to Governor Spanberger’s office and Fairfax County officials for comment.