ICE Arrests Honduran National After Court Drops Serious Charges in Virginia

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained a Honduran national following the dismissal of serious charges against him by local authorities. These charges included child abduction and home invasion, raising concerns about community safety.

Agents from ICE apprehended Hyrum Baquedano-Rodriguez, 26, on May 2 in Fairfax, Virginia. This arrest comes after several criminal charges against him were recently dropped by a local court.

Prior Criminal Background

Russell Hott, director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations for the Washington, D.C. Field Office, stated that despite the dismissal of charges, Baquedano-Rodriguez has a history of serious criminal behavior. His past convictions include abduction with intent to defile and burglary, indicating a potential threat to residents in Virginia.

Baquedano-Rodriguez had previously faced charges of entering a home with intent to commit severe crimes, including rape. His history demonstrates a pattern of violence and disregard for the law.

A Troubling Record of Releases

ICE’s involvement stems from ongoing concerns about how local jurisdictions handle the release of individuals with criminal records. In a recent statement, Hott emphasized the importance of the agency’s role in prioritizing public safety.

Baquedano-Rodriguez was first apprehended by Border Patrol agents on August 25, 2018, when he illegally entered the United States near Yuma, Arizona. Following this arrest, an immigration judge released him on bond in January 2019, which paved the way for his repeated releases following subsequent arrests.

Subsequent Encounters with Law Enforcement

Fairfax County police arrested Baquedano-Rodriguez again on November 9, 2021, charging him with three counts of indecent liberties, including exposing his genitals to a child. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, echoing concerns about this case, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Virginians.

The governor stressed that safeguarding the community is a priority at all levels of government. Youngkin highlighted the significance of the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force in maintaining public safety across the region.

ICE’s Ongoing Operations

Homeland Security confirmed Baquedano-Rodriguez’s recent arrest, stating that he remains in ICE custody. The agency has been vocal about its mission, asserting that it will continue to arrest and remove individuals who pose a danger to local communities. A recent social media post from ICE highlighted Baquedano-Rodriguez’s criminal history and his ongoing detention.

Convictions and Sentencing

In September 2022, he was convicted for entering property with intent to damage and was sentenced to 18 months in prison along with restitution. Less than two weeks later, he faced additional convictions in the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, each resulting in a 12-month prison sentence.

His most recent conviction came in March 2023, again for entering property with intent to damage, which led to a further sentence of 12 months.

The Aftermath of the Court’s Dismissal

On May 2, 2025, the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court dismissed multiple charges against Baquedano-Rodriguez, sparking further controversy in the community. However, ICE agents quickly apprehended him that day and served a warrant for his removal from the U.S.

This situation is not isolated; it echoes a troubling trend in Fairfax County, where local authorities have previously released Honduran nationals charged with serious offenses, raising questions about cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.

Community Implications and Concerns

ICE has voiced deeper concerns about public safety and cooperation with local jurisdictions. According to agency officials, resistance to cooperating with federal immigration requests may endanger communities and law enforcement personnel alike.

In this context, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has pledged to address border security and community safety. She emphasizes the need for continued vigilance against individuals who may pose threats, especially to vulnerable populations.

A Call for Accountability

The repeated releases of individuals with severe criminal histories underscore an urgent need for a reassessment of policies governing how local agencies interact with ICE. In light of recent incidents, it seems imperative that local jurisdictions evaluate their obligations to community safety versus legal compliance.

Reflecting on this situation, it is evident that comprehensive solutions are needed to ensure the well-being of Virginia residents while addressing the complexities of immigration policy. The combination of local and federal collaboration is crucial to maintaining public safety in communities across the nation.

As this case continues to develop, the discussions it prompts about immigration enforcement and local law enforcement practices are likely to persist, igniting debates on policy changes that balance public safety with upholding the law.

Reporting by Fox News staff contributed to this article.