The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported that Moises Domingo Rico Rosales, a Nicaraguan national, was arrested in connection with incidents at Wakefield Park in Annandale, Virginia. He is accused of exposing himself to one woman and attempting to abduct another. Rico Rosales had previously been arrested on drug trafficking charges but released due to sanctuary jurisdiction policies that declined cooperation with federal immigration officials.

According to DHS, Rico Rosales entered the U.S. illegally in Arizona in 2022 and was released under the Biden administration’s policies. He is currently charged with abduction with intent to defile and indecent exposure. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer requesting that Fairfax County officials hold him.

This criminal illegal alien exposed himself to one woman in a park and then attempted to abduct another woman the same day.

The case has heightened debates over ICE detainers and sanctuary policies. It follows a similar case involving Abdul Jalloh, an illegal immigrant charged with second-degree murder in a stabbing incident. The situation has led to discussions within the House Judiciary subcommittee focusing on Fairfax County’s sanctuary policies.

Fairfax County officials maintain that inmates are not held on ICE detainers without a judicial warrant. ICE seeks notification and brief holding before an inmate’s release to assume custody. Officials argue that at-large arrests pose more danger than jail transfers.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, responding to DHS’s stance, clarified that Rico Rosales was released due to a lack of judicial warrant filed by ICE. They explained their procedure requires a judicial order to hold inmates for immigration enforcement.

Laura Birnbaum, chief of staff for Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, outlined various reasons criminal charges might differ from outcomes such as insufficient evidence or witness unavailability.

Governor Abigail Spanberger advocates for limiting local law enforcement’s involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant or subpoena. Her leadership emphasizes cooperation with federal agencies and prioritizes the prosecution and deportation of violent criminals who are in the country illegally.