Fairfax County Grapples with Violent Crimes by Illegal Immigrants

Critics blame local leaders for sanctuary policies that allow repeat offenders to remain in the community

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:33pm

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Democratic leaders in Virginia's most populous county, Fairfax, are facing criticism over an ongoing 'epidemic' of violence by illegal immigrants that has left 13 dead in a major American suburb near the nation's capital. Seven illegal immigrants have been arrested in recent years for violent attacks ranging from infanticide to a machete killing and gang activity. Critics say local officials are prioritizing criminal illegal immigrants over public safety by maintaining sanctuary-type policies that limit cooperation with ICE.

Why it matters

The spate of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants in Fairfax County has sparked outrage and renewed debates over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and public safety. The cases highlight the tensions between protecting undocumented residents and ensuring the security of the broader community.

The details

The crimes include the murder of a 3-month-old by Misael Lopez Gomez, a fatal stabbing by Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, the killing of a woman at a bus stop by Abdul Jalloh, a fatal shooting by Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez, a mob murder by Maldin Anibal Guzman, and multiple executions by MS-13 gang member Elmer De Jesus Alas Candray. Critics blame the Democratic-controlled Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano for sanctuary policies that they say allow repeat offenders to remain in the community.

  • In recent years, seven illegal immigrants have been arrested in Fairfax County for violent crimes.
  • In July 2023, Misael Lopez Gomez allegedly killed his 3-month-old daughter.
  • In September 2022, Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy was arrested for a fatal stabbing.
  • In February 2023, Abdul Jalloh was charged with the fatal stabbing of a woman at a bus stop.
  • In December 2022, Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez was charged with a fatal shooting a day after being released by local authorities despite an ICE detainer.
  • In July 2024, Maldin Anibal Guzman was convicted of a mob murder.
  • From 2018 to 2022, Elmer De Jesus Alas Candray, an MS-13 gang member, was convicted of six murders in Fairfax County.

The players

Steve Descano

The Democratic Commonwealth's Attorney of Fairfax County, whose policies critics say have allowed repeat offenders to remain in the community.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

The Democratic-controlled board that has adopted sanctuary-type policies, according to critics, that limit cooperation with ICE.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic Governor of Virginia who issued an executive order reversing the state's policy of cooperating with ICE, drawing criticism from opponents.

Katie Gorka

The chair of the Fairfax County Republican Committee, who has referred to the spate of violence as an 'epidemic' and blamed local Democratic leaders.

Stacey Kincaid

The Democratic Sheriff of Fairfax County, whose office has reportedly declined over 1,150 ICE detainer requests in the past two and a half years.

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What they’re saying

“These are the criminals that Virginia Democrats care about more than your family's safety.”

— Virginia GOP

“Fairfax County is experiencing an epidemic of crime because of Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano's unwillingness to prosecute violent offenders.”

— Katie Gorka, Chair, Fairfax County GOP

“Virginia Democrats prioritize criminals over victims, illegal aliens over citizens, and Fairfax County citizens have had enough.”

— Katie Gorka, Chair, Fairfax County GOP

The takeaway

The violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants in Fairfax County have sparked a heated debate over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and public safety. The cases highlight the complex balance between protecting undocumented residents and ensuring the security of the broader community, with critics arguing that local leaders have prioritized the former over the latter.