Fairfax County DA Offers Plea Deal to Release Convicted Illegal Alien Murderers

Officials condemn 'insane' 5-year sentence for two men who killed a man on a popular Virginia trail

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:13pm

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An extreme close-up of a pair of handcuffed hands, the harsh lighting and stark black background creating a gritty, investigative mood that reflects the tensions at the heart of this criminal case.A harsh flash illuminates the harsh reality of a justice system grappling with the complex intersection of immigration, crime, and community safety.Fairfax Today

The Fairfax County District Attorney's Office, led by a George Soros-backed prosecutor, is offering a plea deal to release two convicted murderers, Maldin Anibal Guzman-Videz and Luis Alonzo Sort-Portillo, back into the county after just five years in prison. The Department of Homeland Security has condemned the move, stating that Guzman had a history of other crimes and that ICE had repeatedly asked officials not to release him.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between local prosecutors, federal immigration authorities, and community safety concerns in Fairfax County, which has seen a rise in violent crime involving illegal immigrants in recent years. The plea deal decision has drawn criticism from officials who argue it puts the public at risk by releasing dangerous criminals back into the community.

The details

Guzman and Portillo were convicted of second-degree murder by mob for killing a man on a popular Virginia walking trail in 2024. Guzman had a criminal history that included assault, malicious wounding, failure to appear, larceny and obstruction of justice. Despite ICE's requests, Fairfax officials released Guzman from jail in the past. The men were sentenced to 25 years in prison, but 20 years were suspended under the plea deal approved by a judge.

  • In 2024, Guzman and Portillo killed a man on a popular Virginia walking trail.
  • In 2019, a judge issued a final order of removal for Guzman, a Honduran illegal alien, but he remained in the country.
  • Portillo entered the U.S. illegally from El Salvador at an unknown date.

The players

Maldin Anibal Guzman-Videz

A Honduran illegal alien with a criminal history including assault, malicious wounding, failure to appear, larceny and obstruction of justice, who was convicted of second-degree murder by mob for killing a man on a Virginia trail.

Luis Alonzo Sort-Portillo

An illegal alien from El Salvador who was convicted alongside Guzman of second-degree murder by mob for the 2024 killing.

Steve Descano

The George Soros-backed Commonwealth's Attorney of Fairfax County, Virginia, whose office offered the plea deal to release Guzman and Portillo after just 5 years in prison.

Lauren Bis

The Acting Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who condemned the 'insane' plea deal as an example of Fairfax officials siding with criminal illegal aliens over citizens.

Robert Andrew Reed

A man whose second-degree murder charges were dropped by Descano's office, which claimed video footage did not show the alleged stabbing.

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What they’re saying

“This 5-year sweetheart plea deal for murder is insane. This is yet another example of Fairfax sanctuary politicians siding with criminal illegal aliens over U.S. citizens.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The judge who approved the plea deal will face scrutiny over the decision, and the case is likely to reignite debates over criminal justice reform, immigration policies, and public safety in Fairfax County.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local prosecutors, federal immigration authorities, and community safety concerns in Fairfax County, where a rise in violent crime involving illegal immigrants has led to accusations that officials are prioritizing the rights of undocumented individuals over the protection of citizens.