Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Backlash Over Criticism of ICE Raids on Criminal Immigrants

Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Backlash Over Criticism of ICE Raids on Criminal Immigrants

FIRST ON FOX: Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger is under scrutiny from her opponent and the Department of Homeland Security after she condemned the recent execution of an ICE raid at a Virginia courthouse. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals identified as criminal illegal immigrants.

Spanberger, a former congresswoman and federal intelligence officer, expressed her outrage about the raid during a recent interview with the Daily Progress. She described the tactics used by law enforcement as shocking. “What we’ve seen most shocking, including here in Charlottesville, has often involved people who haven’t provided identification, some of whom were masked and dressed in plain clothes,” she stated.

She added, “I’m a former federal agent. I have been involved in numerous arrest operations and search warrants at all hours of the day. During these operations, it is critical to identify yourself clearly to the person you are about to detain, even when operating under stressful conditions.”

The apprehension of the two illegal immigrants during the raid raised significant concerns for Spanberger. The incidents have sparked fierce debate about immigration enforcement practices.

Details of the ICE Raid

The raid, which Spanberger criticized, resulted in the detainment of two individuals with notable criminal records, according to statements from DHS. One of the arrested suspects, Teodoro Dominguez-Rodriguez, a Honduran national, was tagged as a “violent illegal alien” with multiple arrests for assault and battery and an outstanding order of protection against him.

Similarly, Pablo Aparicio Marcelino, a Mexican national, has a history of arrests. DHS labeled him a “criminal illegal alien,” noting his previous encounters with law enforcement for offenses such as failing to stop at the scene of an accident and driving under the influence.

Political Repercussions

Spanberger’s comments regarding the ICE operation attracted swift criticism from her opponent, Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Earle-Sears’ press secretary, Peyton Vogel, stated, “Abigail Spanberger’s outrage over criminal illegal immigrants being taken off our streets reveals everything Virginians need to know about her potential governorship—criminals come first, victims come last.”

Vogel further claimed, “She is responsible for creating this situation by voting in Washington to keep criminal migrants in the United States and now wants to hinder efforts to rectify the issue.”

Response from Spanberger’s Campaign

In her defense, Spanberger’s spokesperson clarified that the candidate does support the arrest of criminal illegal immigrants but believes that the actions taken during the ICE raid were improper. “Abigail holds firm that violent criminals in the United States illegally should be removed. Immigration enforcement should focus on these individuals,” the spokesperson explained.

Furthermore, the spokesperson pointed out that Spanberger’s experience as a federal law enforcement officer involved executing warrants properly, highlighting the necessity of displaying credentials to subjects during arrests.

Defending Law Enforcement

In response to Spanberger’s criticism of ICE agents, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the operation at the courthouse. She argued that targeting individuals at courthouses is a practical and strategic decision. “It conserves valuable law enforcement resources since agents already know where the target will be,” she asserted.

McLaughlin emphasized that these operations help maintain safety for both officers and the public, as courts often screen individuals for weapons. “This approach removes criminal illegal aliens from our communities, which aligns with our commitment to public safety,” she added.

Addressing Identity Concerns

McLaughlin also responded to Spanberger’s implications that ICE officers failed to properly identify themselves during the operation. She stated that when ICE performs enforcement actions, the officers clearly announce their presence as law enforcement personnel while also wearing protective masks.

“Our law enforcement officers must prioritize their safety, especially in front of known threats,” she mentioned, suggesting that Spanberger’s focus on the masks was misplaced.

The Upcoming Election

Earle-Sears, who has the support of term-limited Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, is set to compete against Spanberger in the upcoming governor’s race this November. The immigration debate has emerged as a critical issue in this election cycle, with Earle-Sears leveraging Spanberger’s record as a point of contention.

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