Virginia Sanctuary Policies Under Scrutiny After Arrest

Virginia’s sanctuary policies have come under criticism following a recent incident involving Moises Domingo Rico Rosales, a Nicaraguan national. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports that he illegally entered the U.S. in Arizona in 2022. He was later released under the current administration. Recently, Rosales was apprehended for allegedly exposing himself and attempting an abduction at Wakefield Park in Annandale, Virginia.

DHS states Rico Rosales faces charges of abduction with intent to defile and indecent exposure. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer requesting Fairfax County officials not to release him. Rico Rosales had a prior arrest in 2024 for felony drug trafficking. Local officials reportedly did not honor an ICE detainer then, resulting in his release. Court records indicate the charges were dismissed by Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, which contributed to his release from custody.

Acting Assistant Secretary of DHS Lauren Bis expressed concern over the situation. She highlighted the previous drug trafficking arrest and criticized Fairfax County sanctuary practices for not cooperating with ICE, releasing Rico Rosales from jail. Bis emphasized the consequences of such policies, suggesting they could lead to more victims.

This predator was released by the Biden Administration in 2022, DHS is calling on Governor Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians to not release this criminal and instead hand him over to ICE custody. Open borders and sanctuary policies have real consequences, creating more innocent victims.

Recent debates surrounding ICE detainers and sanctuary policies have intensified. Fairfax County’s position previously stated that they do not hold inmates solely on ICE detainers without a judicial warrant. They argue that ICE detainers ask jails to inform federal immigration authorities before an inmate’s release, providing a brief opportunity for ICE to assume custody. Fairfax officials defend their approach, emphasizing the court’s role in custody decisions.

The case comes months after a horrific incident involving Abdul Jalloh, another illegal immigrant. Jalloh, with over 30 previous arrests, was charged with the second-degree murder of Stephanie Minter at a Virginia bus stop. This case fueled discussions about Fairfax County’s sanctuary policies, especially at a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office challenged DHS’s perspective on the Rico Rosales case, stating a judicial warrant was absent at the time of his 2024 detention. Sheriff Stacey Kincaid’s office asserts that its policy is to only hold inmates past their release date when presented with a criminal judicial order.

Laura Birnbaum, representing Descano’s office, clarified reasons for charges differing from outcomes, citing factors such as insufficient evidence or cooperation with police. She emphasized maintaining transparency without jeopardizing legal processes or personal information.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has curtailed Virginia’s law enforcement’s participation in federal civil immigration operations, negotiating away state-level cooperation absent a judicial warrant. Her office notes that local custody decisions are executed by local officials rather than the governor.

Governor Spanberger advocates for prosecuting and deporting violent criminals present in the U.S. illegally. Her administration continues notifying ICE when individuals born outside the U.S. are in Virginia’s custody. Task forces and cooperation with federal agencies remain a priority to uphold family safety.

Alec Schemmel serves as a Politics Reporter for Fox News Digital, currently based in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore Metro Area.