The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly criticized Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, asserting that her administration has fostered an environment where crimes committed by undocumented immigrants have significantly increased, making the state a "hotbed" for such offenses. This assertion follows the recent arrest of Juan Arevalo Mendez, a 46-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, who faces charges of rape and abduction with the intent to sexually assault in Fairfax County.
DHS stated that Arevalo Mendez, who has been deported twice previously, has a substantial criminal history. He first entered the U.S. legally in 1991, but his status was revoked after a 1998 conviction. He was deported in 2003, re-entered the country illegally, was deported again in 2014, and subsequently re-entered the U.S. at an unconfirmed date. His prior convictions include multiple counts of assault, obstructing justice, identity theft, and larceny.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer for Arevalo Mendez, requesting that Fairfax County officials hold him for federal authorities. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis urged Governor Spanberger and local officials in Fairfax County to cooperate with ICE and refrain from releasing the individual, emphasizing the need to remove him from the country to prevent further criminal activity.
The DHS report highlights that Fairfax County has been disproportionately affected by crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants. According to the agency, nine out of 17 serious crimes involving undocumented immigrants that occurred in Virginia in 2026 took place in Fairfax County. The agency also cited several other cases in Fairfax County in recent months, including individuals arrested for abduction, indecent exposure, carjacking, robbery, child sexual offenses, and murder.
This situation has intensified debate surrounding Fairfax County's sanctuary city policies and their perceived impact on public safety. The DHS specifically criticized Governor Spanberger for terminating the state's 287(g) program, which facilitates partnerships between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, suggesting this action contributes to the current issues.
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Allyson Conroy confirmed that Arevalo Mendez remains in their custody. She stated that while the case is ongoing, ICE has been notified and can take custody if he is ordered released. Conroy also clarified that the Sheriff's Office does not impede ICE from acting on their detainers.
Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano and Sheriff Stacey Kincaid have faced criticism from local groups like Virginians for Safe Communities and the Victims Rights Reform Council regarding their approach to immigration enforcement.