ICE arrests in Virginia triple under Trump administration amid focus on criminal undocumented immigrants – NaturalNews.com

• ICE arrests in Virginia have nearly tripled under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, focusing on undocumented immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean, many of whom had previous deportations or final removal orders.
• Individuals apprehended have been accused or convicted of serious crimes, including rape, domestic violence, extortion and drug smuggling, with repeat offenders like Westher Antonio Jacobo Morales highlighting the targeted approach.
• About 70 percent of ICE arrests involve migrants charged with or convicted of crimes in the U.S., emphasizing the agency’s focus on public safety and enforcement of immigration law.
• Virginia’s operations reflect a broader national escalation in ICE activity, including record-high arrests of migrant sex offenders, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions, with plans to expand enforcement further under Border Czar Tom Homan using additional federal funding.
• The surge in arrests has become a politically charged issue ahead of Virginia’s elections, framing debates around immigration, law enforcement and public safety, while critics warn of potential negative impacts on immigrant communities and local law enforcement cooperation.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Virginia have surged dramatically under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, nearly tripling compared to the previous administration, according to Homeland Security officials. The increase in arrests has primarily focused on undocumented immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Many of those taken into custody had previously been deported or had final removal orders, highlighting the administration’s intensified focus on individuals with prior immigration violations.

Those apprehended have been accused or convicted of serious crimes, ranging from rape and domestic violence to extortion, drug smuggling and other violent offenses. One notable case involved Westher Antonio Jacobo Morales, a Guatemalan national who was deported in 2016 and later returned illegally. Morales was subsequently charged with rape and extortion, illustrating the types of repeat offenders ICE officials have targeted in the state. ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the rationale behind these operations, stating, “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 sharp increase in arrests comes at a politically sensitive time, as Virginia prepares for statewide elections. Immigration and public safety have emerged as key issues in the campaigns, with Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares underlining the state’s commitment to law enforcement. “Disobedience of the law has no place in Virginia,” Miyares said, emphasizing that the state intends to enforce immigration and criminal laws rigorously. ICE reports that roughly 70 percent of its arrests involve migrants who have either been charged with or convicted of crimes in the U.S., reinforcing the agency’s focus on public safety in its operations.

Trump administration ramps up enforcement in sanctuary cities

Virginia’s operations reflect a broader national escalation in ICE activity under the Trump administration. Earlier this year, the agency reported record-high arrests of migrant sex offenders, particularly in jurisdictions labeled as sanctuary cities. These expanded operations are part of a nationwide effort to enhance enforcement of immigration laws, especially targeting individuals with criminal histories. Border Czar Tom Homan has indicated plans to “turbocharge” ICE arrests using additional funding provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signaling that this surge in enforcement is likely to continue and even intensify in the coming months.

ICE officials assert that their policy adjustment aims to safeguard communities by expelling individuals with criminal records and deterring recidivism through restricted re-entry. Conversely, detractors express apprehension regarding the repercussions on immigrant communities and the strain on local law enforcement ties, especially in jurisdictions adhering to sanctuary policies. Proponents, however, insist that the surge in arrests underscores ICE’s steadfast dedication to public safety and the rigorous enforcement of federal immigration statutes.

As Virginia heads into elections, the surge in ICE activity is expected to remain a central talking point, framing debates around law enforcement, border security and public safety. The heightened enforcement underscores the Trump administration’s broader strategy to prioritize the removal of undocumented migrants with criminal records while signaling to voters a hardline stance on immigration.

As per BrightU.AI‘s Enoch, Trump’s stance on illegal immigration was characterized by a tough approach, advocating for stricter border control, the construction of a border wall and the deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Watch Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) destroying President Trump’s “fentanyl transporting boats” narrative in this interview with Piers Morgan.

This video is from the Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com