Officials in Fairfax County, Virginia, are facing heightened scrutiny as crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including child sexual offenses and murders, increase significantly. A report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicates that 75% of all murders in Fairfax County are committed by illegal aliens, sparking a fierce debate about the impact of the county’s sanctuary city policies on public safety.
A Honduran illegal immigrant accused of several child sex crimes is back in federal custody after Fairfax County authorities released him from an immigration detainer, as reported by DHS. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Oscar Evaristo Nunez on September 15 during a targeted enforcement operation, according to DHS’s announcement on Wednesday.
Nunez was first arrested on August 27, 2025, with charges of aggravated sexual battery involving children and illegal filming of an undressed minor. ICE filed a detainer with the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center two days later, but DHS claims local authorities did not honor the detainer, leading to Nunez’s release without agency notification.
Guatemalan Man Charged with Child Porn Possession Released
DHS reported a similar incident wherein local authorities released a Guatemalan man charged with child pornography possession despite an ICE detainer.
This case has deepened the existing tension between the Trump administration and Virginia officials over federal immigration enforcement cooperation.
Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary, expressed frustration, stating, “Another criminal illegal alien has been taken off the streets by the brave men and women of ICE with no help from sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County.” He emphasized that the Honduran national was arrested for child sex crimes in August the previous year, yet Fairfax County did not honor ICE’s detainer.
Policy Shifts in Virginia Under Spanberger
Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, took office as governor in January 2026, months after Nunez’s arrest. Since then, she has shifted Virginia away from participating in federal immigration enforcement, including terminating state agency agreements with ICE under the federal 287(g) program.
A Fairfax County representative did not immediately respond to comments.
DHS noted that Nunez entered the U.S. near Arizona around September 2003. He remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
Brittany Miller is known for her work as a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2023. Download the Fox News app.