The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that three out of nine men arrested during a significant child exploitation sting operation in Virginia are illegal aliens. These men have been identified as having extensive criminal backgrounds. They are currently released on bond while awaiting the legal process.
Undercover Operation Details
The suspects were apprehended after traveling to Fairfax County. They intended to meet minors for sexual encounters after engaging in inappropriate online conversations with undercover detectives posing as children. DHS identified the illegal aliens as Reyben Leono Sanchez Hernandez, 21, Wilmer Alexander Aguilar Cruz, 28, and Henry Adalberto Flores Herrera, 39, all originally from El Salvador.
The men were previously detained for illegal entry into the U.S. but were released during the Obama administration. DHS criticized both the administration’s immigration policies and Fairfax County’s ‘sanctuary’ policies, blaming them for an increase in illegal alien crimes.
Criminal Histories
DHS reported that Sanchez Hernandez previously solicited prostitution from a minor and was charged with driving on a suspended license. He initially entered the U.S. near the Rio Grande Valley in 2013 and was released soon afterward. Despite an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer, Sanchez Hernandez was released on a $3,000 bond.
Aguilar Cruz entered the U.S. in 2012, was caught near Hidalgo, Texas, and released weeks later. His criminal accusations include computer solicitation of a child, indecent liberties, proposed sex acts, and threats. He was arrested in 2019 for threatening to bomb or burn and was later released on bond. His recent release from Fairfax County Detention Center was under a $3,000 bond despite an ICE detainer.
Flores Herrera faces charges of felony solicitation of prostitution from a minor and sexual exploitation. He was also arrested for driving under the influence. Released on a $5,000 bond, the DHS did not detail his entry into the U.S.
Political Response and Criticism
A DHS official attributed these issues to policies from former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, which allegedly allowed numerous unvetted illegal aliens into U.S. communities. The department also criticized Democratic Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for executive orders limiting state cooperation with ICE.
The DHS urged Governor Spanberger to prioritize her community by cooperating with ICE to address illegal aliens committing crimes. The department believes enforcement of immigration laws and cooperation with federal authorities are crucial steps toward addressing the issue effectively.