Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is under fire from the Department of Homeland Security after a recent arrest led to swift justice for an illegal immigrant accused of killing a child.
The Department of Homeland Security has accused Spanberger of creating a "hotbed" for illegal immigrant violence through her day-one order rescinding a 287(g) agreement, which cut cooperative ties between ICE and Virginia State Police, fish and game wardens, and state corrections officials.
The latest gruesome incident involved Mexican national Raul Genesis Ortiz Moran, who is accused of sexually assaulting a toddler in rural Louisa County.
Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis stated, "This horrific tragedy was completely avoidable, because this illegal alien should have never been in our country. Governor Spanberger’s sanctuary policies have made Virginia a hotbed for illegal alien crime."
The child's mother rushed the injured 2-year-old to a sheriff's office in neighboring Goochland County, where deputies attempted to resuscitate the child, who ultimately died.
Goochland and Louisa authorities cooperated directly with ICE, who quickly took Ortiz Moran into federal custody.
Spanberger's office responded to the criticism, stating that the Democrat "strongly believes violent criminals who are in the United States illegally should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and deported."
However, officials pointed out that Ortiz Moran was arrested on charges of murder and aggravated sexual battery, and that another case involved Mexican illegal immigrant Samuel Flores de Dios, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison on CSAM charges involving the production of child sexual abuse material.
ICE has lodged detainers for several illegal immigrants in Virginia, including El Salvadoran national Juan Arevalo Mendez, who was arrested on rape and abduction charges in Fairfax County, and several others who have been charged with various crimes such as indecent exposure, abduction, carjacking, assault, and robbery.
The recent cases have increased pressure on Spanberger and Democratic commonwealth's attorneys to cooperate with ICE, as some Virginia jurisdictions face congressional scrutiny.
ICE has taken swift action in several recent cases, including the arrest of Mexican national Raul Genesis Ortiz Moran, who is accused of killing a 2-year-old girl in Virginia.
Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis stated, "Thanks to the cooperation of our local law enforcement partners, this killer is off the streets and will face justice for his crimes."
Spanberger has been criticized for her sanctuary policies, which have made Virginia a target for ICE and other law enforcement agencies.
As the case against Ortiz Moran continues to unfold, officials are calling for increased cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies to ensure that violent criminals are held accountable for their crimes.
