DHS Urges Fairfax County to Detain Murder Suspect

Federal agency calls for holding undocumented immigrant charged in fatal stabbing

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:27pm

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An extreme close-up of a single bloodied knife blade, the harsh lighting and dark background creating a stark, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the violent crime at the center of this story.A grim reminder of the human cost when immigration policies and local law enforcement priorities collide.Annandale Today

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a statement urging Fairfax County, Virginia not to release murder suspect Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who was arrested for fatally stabbing a man in the Culmore area of Bailey's Crossroads. ICE has lodged an arrest detainer, but the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office says it is required by law to notify ICE when undocumented individuals are booked into the county jail, while also noting it does not obstruct or prevent ICE from acting on civil detainers.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local 'sanctuary' jurisdictions over the handling of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. It also comes amid a broader debate over immigration policies and their impact on public safety.

The details

Chavarria Muy was arrested by Fairfax County Police on March 29 and charged with second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of a man in the Culmore area. He is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office has lodged an arrest detainer, directing Fairfax County officials not to release Chavarria Muy.

  • Chavarria Muy was arrested by Fairfax County Police on March 29, 2026.
  • The DHS statement urging Fairfax County not to release Chavarria Muy was issued on March 31, 2026.

The players

Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy

A Guatemalan national charged with second-degree murder for a fatal stabbing in Fairfax County, Virginia.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that issued a statement urging Fairfax County not to release the murder suspect Chavarria Muy, an undocumented immigrant.

Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that oversees the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where Chavarria Muy is being held. The Sheriff's Office says it is required by law to notify ICE when undocumented individuals are booked into the jail, but does not obstruct or prevent ICE from acting on civil detainers.

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What they’re saying

“'Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, was charged with second-degree murder after repeatedly stabbing a man to death in Fairfax County.'”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary of DHS

“'The Sheriff's Office is committed to the safety and security of our diverse community. We regularly receive detainers from ICE when undocumented individuals are booked into the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. As required by statute, whenever an undocumented person is booked into the Adult Detention Center, ICE is notified that the person has been taken into custody. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office does not obstruct or prevent ICE from acting on their civil detainers.'”

— Allyson Conroy, Communications Director, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local 'sanctuary' jurisdictions over the handling of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. It also underscores the broader debate over immigration policies and their impact on public safety.