Former Acting ICE Director Jonathan Fahey discussed the case of Juan Arevalo Mendez, a twice-deported immigrant now charged with serious offenses in Fairfax County, Virginia. Mendez has a significant criminal record that includes assault and drug possession. Fahey points out that these serious crimes might have been avoided if Fairfax County had collaborated with ICE to transfer Mendez into federal custody after his deportations.
Mendez, deported twice, faces charges of rape and kidnapping. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement.
In another case, ICE reported the arrest of Rocael Ordonez-Cruz, a Guatemalan immigrant, under serious charges in Massachusetts. Ordonez-Cruz was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers after being released from state custody. Federal officials confirmed his arrest on July 21 at the Middlesex County House of Correction in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Ordonez-Cruz entered the United States without inspection, and ICE lodged a detainer for his arrest following charges of rape and other sex crimes. The Arlington, Massachusetts, Police Department had originally arrested him on June 25. He faced charges including rape, assault to rape, indecent assault and battery on a person aged 14 or older, and indecent exposure.
David Wesling, Acting Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston Field Office Director, emphasized the threat posed by Ordonez-Cruz to local communities. He commended ICE officers for their dedication to community safety and reiterated their commitment to apprehending criminal offenders.
Ordonez-Cruz received a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge, beginning removal proceedings. He will remain in ICE custody until a decision is reached.
Fox News Digital reached out to ICE for further clarification on the particulars of Ordonez-Cruz’s arrest but received no immediate response.
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