Despite multiple pleas from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, Yohandri Roger Mosquera-Rosas, was released multiple times by authorities in Virginia. Mosquera was arrested by ICE’s special response team in Springfield, Virginia on September 12, 2024. The 30-year-old was charged with malicious wounding, driving while intoxicated, hit-and-run, and various gun crimes. Mosquera had entered the U.S. illegally in October 2022 and was granted parole, but he violated the terms of his admission.
Fairfax County police had arrested Mosquera in January 2023 for malicious wounding, reckless handling of a firearm, and other charges. ICE issued a detainer for him, but it was ignored, and Mosquera was released. He was subsequently arrested in June 2023 on a gun charge and released before ICE could issue another detainer. Mosquera was arrested twice more in February and May 2024 for driving offenses, and ICE detainers were ignored in both instances. ERO Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Liana Castano described Mosquera as a significant threat to Northern Virginia neighborhoods, particularly due to his firearms crimes.
ICE recently announced the number of convicted criminals and individuals with pending criminal charges who are on the agency’s non-detained docket. The data revealed that there are 425,431 convicted criminals and 222,141 individuals with pending criminal charges. ICE criticized “sanctuary” cities that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement in deporting illegal immigrant criminals. The agency emphasized that such policies can end up shielding dangerous criminals who often victimize the same communities. DHS has made efforts to remove illegal immigrants, with over 893,600 individuals being removed or returned from mid-May 2023 through the end of July 2024.
The case of Yohandri Roger Mosquera-Rosas highlights the challenges posed by sanctuary policies and the release of criminal illegal immigrants. Despite ICE’s efforts to apprehend and remove egregious noncitizen offenders, like Mosquera, from Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities, local authorities continue to release them. Mosquera’s repeated arrests, including for gun crimes and driving offenses, demonstrate the need for better coordination between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration officials. The failure to honor ICE detainers and the release of individuals like Mosquera pose significant risks to public safety.
The release of Mosquera echoes broader concerns over sanctuary policies and their impact on immigrant communities and public safety. ICE’s efforts to address this issue by highlighting the number of convicted criminals and individuals with pending charges underscore the need for cooperation between local and federal authorities. The agency’s criticism of sanctuary cities for potentially shielding dangerous criminals who prey on vulnerable communities points to the importance of effective immigration enforcement measures. DHS’s removal of over 893,600 individuals, including those in family units, demonstrates a commitment to managing the influx of illegal immigrants and addressing security concerns at the Southwest border.
In light of the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and the release of criminal offenders, ICE’s efforts to prioritize public safety and apprehend dangerous noncitizen offenders like Mosquera are crucial. The agency’s role in enforcing immigration laws and working to remove convicted criminals from communities is essential in addressing the broader issue of illegal immigration. By highlighting cases like Mosquera’s and the impact of sanctuary policies on public safety, ICE seeks to raise awareness of the risks associated with releasing criminal immigrants and the importance of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies. The agency’s data on convicted criminals and individuals with pending charges underscores the scale of the problem and the need for effective enforcement measures to ensure community safety.
