A courthouse arrest — and a political firestorm.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it arrested a Guatemalan national accused of raping a child after local officials in Virginia released him despite a federal detainer request.
The agency says Walvin Victor Hugo Garcia was taken into custody Friday following a court appearance in Fairfax County, weeks after his initial June arrest on multiple felony charges involving a minor.
Those charges are severe.
According to ICE, Garcia faces allegations of rape of a child under 13, aggravated sexual battery of a victim under 13, use of a computer to commit a sex offense with a minor, and distributing drugs to a minor.
ICE says it lodged a detainer request after Garcia’s June arrest — asking local authorities to hold him for federal pickup.
That didn’t happen.
According to the agency, Garcia was released and allowed to leave court without ICE being notified, prompting federal agents to arrest him inside the courthouse, though outside the courtroom.
The Department of Homeland Security did not hold back.
“Governor Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians in Fairfax, Virginia refused to cooperate with ICE and RELEASED this child rapist from jail back onto the streets,” Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.
“This criminal illegal alien from Guatemala has been charged with raping a child under 13, aggravated sexual battery of a victim under 13, and distributing drugs to a minor. Thanks to our brave law enforcement, this sicko is out of our communities. Governor Spanberger and Fairfax sanctuary politicians are playing Russian roulette with American lives by releasing criminals from jail into American neighborhoods.”
In a press release, DHS referred to the situation as a “Sanctuary Calamity.”
DHS says Garcia had previously entered the United States illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas, in 2023 and was released. An immigration judge later issued a final order of removal in February 2025.
More over at Fox News:
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 5, 2026
