Kristi Noem Criticizes Virginia Governor Over Refusing ICE Detainer for Illegal Alien Accused of Murder

Outgoing DHS Secretary says Virginians 'should be alarmed' over Gov. Spanberger's stance on honoring ICE detainer for repeat criminal offender

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Outgoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has criticized Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for seemingly refusing to honor an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer against a repeat criminal illegal alien now accused of murdering a 41-year-old mother in a random attack in Fairfax County. Noem says Virginians 'should be alarmed' that Spanberger is demanding a criminal judicial warrant, which is not required by law, before honoring the ICE detainer.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with sanctuary policies often clashing with federal immigration laws. The murder of Stephanie Minter has renewed calls for stricter policies to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens, even as some state and local governments resist cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

The details

32-year-old illegal alien Abdul Jalloh of Sierra Leone was arrested and charged with stabbing Stephanie Minter to death at a bus stop in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jalloh had over 30 prior arrests, but Fairfax County prosecutors repeatedly dropped charges against him. ICE has lodged a detainer requesting Jalloh be turned over to their custody, but Spanberger's office has suggested she will only honor the detainer if ICE secures a criminal judicial warrant, which is not legally required.

  • Jalloh first crossed the southern border in 2012.
  • Jalloh was arrested and charged with Minter's murder in 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

Outgoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary who criticized Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's stance on honoring the ICE detainer.

Abigail Spanberger

The Governor of Virginia who has seemingly refused to honor an ICE detainer against the illegal alien accused of murdering Stephanie Minter.

Abdul Jalloh

A 32-year-old illegal alien from Sierra Leone who was arrested and charged with stabbing Stephanie Minter to death in a random attack.

Stephanie Minter

A 41-year-old mother who was murdered in a random attack in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Steve Descano

The Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney who repeatedly dropped charges against Abdul Jalloh despite his extensive criminal history.

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What they’re saying

“In that situation in Virginia, the people that live there should be alarmed that they don't have a governor that can make common sense decision like that — that we don't want someone like that on the streets impacting the safety of the people of Virginia.”

— Kristi Noem, Outgoing DHS Secretary (Breitbart News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow Abdul Jalloh to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the clash between state and federal authorities, with the murder of Stephanie Minter renewing calls for stricter policies to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens despite some states resisting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.