DHS Urges Virginia to Hold 46-Year-Old Rape Suspect as ICE Seeks Custody
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
DHS Urges Virginia to Hold 46-Year-Old Rape Suspect as ICE Seeks Custody
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
Summary
Juan Arevalo Mendez, a 46-year-old Salvadoran twice deported from the U.S., remains in Fairfax County jail after being charged with rape and abduction tied to an alleged September attack.
ICE lodged a detainer the day he was arrested last week in Prince William County, and DHS urged Governor Abigail Spanberger and Fairfax County officials not to release him before federal agents can take custody.
DHS said Arevalo Mendez reentered the U.S. illegally after deportations in 2003 and 2014 and has prior convictions including assault, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, drug possession, identity theft and larceny.
Fairfax County's sheriff said ICE has been notified of his location and can execute the detainer if he is ordered released, adding the office does not obstruct civil detainers.
DHS tied the case to a broader attack on Virginia's sanctuary-style policies, citing 17 serious crimes by illegal immigrants statewide in 2026, including 9 in Fairfax County.