An illegal immigrant from El Salvador convicted of groping multiple high school students in Fairfax County, Virginia, has been deported, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Israel Flores-Ortiz was taken into custody by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents following his jail sentence and subsequently deported to his home country.
Flores-Ortiz was arrested for touching the private parts of nine schoolgirls earlier this year. He had entered the U.S. illegally in 2024 and was enrolled as a junior at Fairfax High School. Despite facing potential years in prison, he served approximately nine months of his sentence. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Flores-Ortiz was deported Wednesday, emphasizing that the agency is committed to removing individuals who pose a threat to American communities.
Fairfax County, which has implemented sanctuary policies, has faced scrutiny in cases involving immigrants who have committed crimes. ICE reported arresting Flores-Ortiz on August 31. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office stated that the agency released Flores-Ortiz into ICE custody, citing a Virginia law that permits transfers up to five days before a scheduled release.
Local officials have faced criticism regarding the handling of such cases. A spokesperson for Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano indicated that custody and transfer responsibilities lie with the sheriff's office. The case highlights ongoing tensions between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement efforts. A parent of one of the victims described the incidents as prolonged groping, not mere grabbing, and expressed fear for student safety.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid previously addressed the incidents in a letter to parents, calling the behavior "unacceptable" and announcing an external review of the matter.