Angel mom Cheryl Minter demands accountability from Fairfax DA
In a high-tension session, the House GOP subjected Fairfax D.A. Steve Descano to intense scrutiny over what they described as a controversial leniency towards illegal immigrant criminals. One of the most gripping moments came when Angel Mom Cheryl Minter gave a heartfelt testimony. Minter recounted the tragic murder of her daughter by an alleged illegal immigrant who had over 30 prior arrests. Her emotional narrative underscored the severe repercussions of Virginia’s sanctuary policies, which she argued could be mitigated with greater accountability and improved cooperation with ICE.
As the nation paused to celebrate Independence Day, federal immigration authorities were engaged in a significant sweep, apprehending illegal immigrants nationwide. Those taken into custody included individuals with past convictions for heinous crimes such as murder, burglary, and child sex offenses.
These arrests unfolded against the backdrop of celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, as announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis shed light on the operation’s magnitude: “While Americans were celebrating the 250th anniversary of the greatest nation on Earth, the fearless men and women of ICE were apprehending some of the most dangerous individuals, including several murderers, pedophiles, rapists, kidnappers, drunk drivers, and drug traffickers. Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly, even during holidays, to enhance the safety of our communities.”
Throughout the Independence Day weekend, federal authorities targeted multiple illegal immigrants with convictions for various violent crimes. Among those arrested were Radimir Thompson-Nagle, Marcos Rubio-Hernandez, Roberto Gutierrez-Diaz, Francisco Olmedo-Silva, and Pedro Mazorra-Herrera. (Department of Homeland Security)
Bis noted that under President Donald Trump, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has hired 12,000 new officers and agents in less than a year, more than doubling the agency’s workforce.
“Thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, we have an additional 12,000 ICE officers who will continue delivering on the American people’s mandate to make our nation SAFE AGAIN,” she said.
Those arrested over the weekend included Radimir Thompson-Nagle, a Panamanian citizen with criminal convictions for murder and assault in Brooklyn, New York, ICE said.
A fireworks display is seen during the “Salute to America” Independence Day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2026. (Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)
Marcos Rubio-Hernandez, a Mexican citizen, was previously convicted of second-degree murder and kidnapping in Wilson County, North Carolina. Roberto Gutierrez-Diaz, also from Mexico, has convictions for sodomy (victim less than 12 years old), sexual abuse (victim less than 12 years old), attempted rape (domestic violence), and burglary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Francisco Olmedo-Silva, from Mexico, has convictions spanning Oregon, Wyoming, and Pennsylvania for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, escaping from custody and robbery.
Pedro Mazorra-Herrera, from Cuba, was convicted of aggravated stalking, resisting an officer with violence, burglary with assault or battery and cocaine possession in Miami, Florida.
Monday’s announcement came as the Trump administration continues its deportation campaign targeting criminal illegal immigrants and pushing back on sanctuary jurisdictions.
“Sanctuary city politicians who put illegal alien criminals over their own citizens are a national security threat,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted Monday on X. “Seven of the 10 safest cities in America cooperate with @ICEgov. Meanwhile, @GovernorVA has created a hotbed of illegal alien criminal activity in her own backyard.”
Mullin’s remarks came in response to a News Media story stating that Fairfax County, Virginia, has refused to transfer 615 illegal immigrants to ICE over the past 16 months while turning over just 11. The county designated itself a sanctuary jurisdiction in 2021.