The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger of fostering an environment conducive to illegal immigrant crime, following the alleged murder and sexual assault of a toddler by a Mexican national. The agency pointed to Spanberger's decision to revoke a cooperation agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a key factor.
Raul Genesis Ortiz Moran, a Mexican national, is accused of assaulting and killing a 2-year-old girl in Louisa County. The girl's mother reportedly brought the injured child to a sheriff's office in neighboring Goochland County, where deputies attempted to resuscitate her. The child died from her injuries.
Local authorities in Goochland and Louisa counties cooperated with ICE, leading to Ortiz Moran's swift federal arrest. "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," Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis told Fox News Digital. Bis added, "Thanks to the cooperation of our local law enforcement partners, this killer is off the streets and will face justice for his crimes."
Ortiz Moran has been arrested on charges of murder and aggravated sexual battery. The incident has intensified scrutiny on Spanberger, who took office in January and rescinded former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 287(g) agreement on her first day. This agreement had facilitated cooperative ties between ICE and various Virginia state law enforcement agencies.
A spokesperson for Gov. Spanberger stated that the governor "strongly believes violent criminals who are in the United States illegally should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and deported." The spokesperson also noted that the Virginia Department of Corrections continues to notify ICE when individuals born outside the U.S. are in state custody, and that state law enforcement agencies maintain participation in task forces and interagency cooperation with federal agencies, asserting that Spanberger strives to protect Virginia's children.
DHS also cited other recent incidents involving individuals allegedly in the country illegally in Virginia, including a case in Fairfax County where Juan Arevalo Mendez, a national of El Salvador, was arrested on rape and abduction charges. In another instance, Samuel Flores de Dios, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for child sexual abuse material charges in Fredericksburg.
According to DHS, these cases, along with others involving charges such as indecent exposure, abduction, carjacking, and assault, have increased pressure on Spanberger and commonwealth's attorneys to collaborate with ICE, particularly as some Virginia jurisdictions face congressional scrutiny.