ICE Detainer Issued for Immigrant Charged in Virginia Stabbing Death

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer on a Mexican national charged in a fatal stabbing in Staunton, Virginia, requesting that state officials not release the suspect. The move comes amid rising criticism of the state's policies regarding the release of undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes.

Freddi Chigo Mil, an undocumented immigrant, was arrested in connection with a stabbing that left one woman dead and another injured. He faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding causing permanent impairment, according to jail records. ICE's detainer indicates a request for state authorities to hold Mil so he can be transferred to federal custody for deportation proceedings after he faces state justice.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the situation highlights the consequences of sanctuary-friendly policies. "This illegal alien from Mexico has been charged with murder after a stabbing spree that killed one woman and injured another," Mullin said. He added that ICE had lodged a detainer asking Governor Abigail Spanberger to cooperate in ensuring the suspect's removal from the country. "Deporting illegal aliens saves lives," Mullin asserted.

Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office responded to the criticism, asserting 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." A spokesperson for the governor's office stated that under Spanberger's leadership, 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 cooperate with federal agencies. The spokesperson also noted Spanberger's background as a former federal law enforcement officer focused on child predators.

Victims' rights advocates have voiced concerns about the state's approach. Jennifer Harrison, executive director of the Victims' Rights Reform Council, commented that policies implemented by officials like Spanberger "put criminals ahead of victims and public safety." She questioned the necessity of federal intervention to prevent the release of dangerous individuals, stating, "We have reached a point where the federal government has to ask state and local officials not to release dangerous illegal immigrants back into American communities. Think about how insane that is."

Sean Kennedy, president of Virginians for Safe Communities, criticized the governor's actions, calling them "pro-criminal" rather than "pro-immigrant." He alleged that shielding offenders from removal "is loosing predators onto our streets," and noted that these individuals often prey on other immigrants.

In addition to the Staunton incident, ICE also recently arrested Yinmi Molina-Zepeda, a Salvadoran national wanted in his home country for aggravated homicide, in Woodbridge, Virginia. The Department of Homeland Security has pointed to 22 cases involving alleged violent crimes by undocumented immigrants in Virginia this year, with charges including murder, rape, and child sex offenses.

The governor's office reiterated its commitment to public safety, highlighting ongoing interagency cooperation with federal immigration authorities.