ICE lodges immigration detainer against criminal illegal alien linked to Virginia high school fentanyl overdoses

WASHINGTON - On Aug. 20, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office arrested Isaac Melendez-Carranza, 31, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute fentanyl. On the same day, ICE Washington lodged an immigration detainer and warrant of removal with the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center in Leesburg, Virginia, which honors immigration detainers as described in its 287(g) agreement.

On April 30, 2016, a U.S. Border Patrol officer encountered Melendez near Hebbronville, Texas, and found after a brief interview that Melendez had waded across the Rio Grande River from Mexico into the U.S. at an unknown location and unknown time.

"Anyone who comes to this country illegally and then allegedly peddles deadly fentanyl near our children's schools should expect ICE to come for them," said acting ICE Director David J. Venturella. "The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office understands that protecting our communities must come before politics. ICE will relentlessly pursue criminal illegal aliens who threaten Americans, take them into custody, and remove them from the United States."

Criminal illegal aliens are unwelcome in the United States and will be removed as quickly as possible. Under President Trump, Secretary Mullin and Director Venturella's leadership, ICE is delivering on its mission to enforce our nation's immigration laws, restore accountability and protect American communities.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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