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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Hyrum Baquedano-Rodriguez, a 26-year-old Honduran national, in Fairfax, Virginia, on Friday (May 2). This arrest followed the dismissal of charges against him for home invasion and child abduction by local authorities. Baquedano-Rodriguez has a history of criminal activity in Virginia, including convictions for entering property with intent to damage and disorderly conduct. ICE officials stated that despite the court's decision to drop his recent charges, Baquedano-Rodriguez poses a significant threat to the community.
Baquedano-Rodriguez was first arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents in August 2018 after illegally entering the United States near Yuma, Arizona. He was released on an immigration bond in January 2019. Since then, he has faced multiple arrests and convictions in Virginia, including charges of indecent liberties and indecent exposure.
ICE Washington, D.C., Field Office Director Russell Hott emphasized the agency's commitment to public safety, stating that they will continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of criminal alien offenders from the community. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also expressed his administration's focus on protecting Virginians and commended law enforcement efforts at all levels.
"That’s exactly why the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force is so important. I’m grateful to our law enforcement officers at every level for working hard to keep Virginians and Americans safe, and I’ll always stand with them," Youngkin said.
Despite the dropped charges, ICE has issued a warrant of removal, and Baquedano-Rodriguez remains in ICE custody pending deportation to Honduras. The case highlights ongoing tensions between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities regarding cooperation and detainer requests.