Fairfax County Murders Allegedly Linked to Illegal Immigrants

DHS claims 75% of county's homicides this year involved suspects who entered U.S. illegally

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A realistic painting of a lone police car parked on a dimly lit street in a quiet urban setting, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood that reflects the complex issues surrounding sanctuary city policies.The debate over Fairfax County's sanctuary policies casts a long shadow over the community's public safety.Fairfax Today

The Department of Homeland Security has alleged that three of the four suspects facing trial for murder in Fairfax County, Virginia, this year entered the U.S. illegally. DHS has directly called out Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, saying she must end sanctuary policies in the state that have allegedly allowed these suspects to remain free and commit violent crimes.

Why it matters

This case has reignited the debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies, with DHS and some Republican lawmakers blaming Democratic state and local officials for the alleged crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. It highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local jurisdictions over cooperation and public safety.

The details

According to DHS, the suspects include Misael Lopez Gomez, a Guatemalan national charged with second-degree murder and child abuse for allegedly killing his 3-month-old daughter; Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, another Guatemalan immigrant charged with second-degree murder for a deadly stabbing; and Abdul Jalloh, a Sierra Leonean national with a lengthy criminal history who was charged with murdering Stephanie Minter at a Fairfax County bus stop. DHS claims Fairfax County has a history of refusing to honor immigration detainers placed by ICE.

  • On February 23, Stephanie Minter was found stabbed to death at a Fairfax County bus stop.
  • On March 3, Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
  • On April 15, Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid and Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano were invited to testify before a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on the 'dangerous consequences of sanctuary policies'.

The players

Misael Lopez Gomez

A Guatemalan national charged with second-degree murder and child abuse for allegedly killing his 3-month-old daughter.

Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy

A Guatemalan immigrant charged with second-degree murder for a deadly stabbing.

Abdul Jalloh

A Sierra Leonean national with a lengthy criminal history who was charged with murdering Stephanie Minter at a Fairfax County bus stop.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia, who DHS claims must end sanctuary policies in the state.

Stacey Kincaid

The Fairfax County Sheriff who allegedly refused to honor ICE detainers.

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What they’re saying

“Another violent criminal illegal alien, another preventable murder of an American citizen.”

— DHS

“This heinous criminal is a perfect example of why we need cooperation from sanctuary jurisdictions and the importance of third-country removals for the safety of the American people.”

— DHS

“Sanctuary policies have deadly consequences.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Former DHS Assistant Secretary

What’s next

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement will hold a hearing on April 15 to examine how state and local sanctuary policies impact public safety.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local jurisdictions, with DHS and some Republicans blaming Democratic officials for policies that allegedly enabled violent crimes by undocumented immigrants. It underscores the complex and politically charged nature of this issue.