Dem Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Backlash After Meltdown Over 'Shocking' ICE Arrests of Criminal Illegal Aliens

Virginia’s gubernatorial race has intensified following Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger’s recent comments criticizing the conduct of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation at the Albemarle County Courthouse earlier this month. The operation resulted in the arrest of two undocumented immigrants with criminal records, but Spanberger, a former congresswoman and intelligence officer, raised concerns about the way ICE agents approached the arrests.

“I think what we’ve seen most shocking, including here in Charlottesville, has been cases where people haven’t provided identification and have been in some cases masked and in plain clothes,” Spanberger told local media after the raid. Drawing on her own experience as a federal agent, she added that officers—regardless of the situation—should visibly identify themselves and display proper credentials.

The individuals apprehended during the courthouse raid were identified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as:

• Teodoro Dominguez-Rodriguez: A Honduran national with multiple arrests for assault and battery and an outstanding order of protection.
• Pablo Aparicio Marcelino: A Mexican national with a history of driving-related offenses, including DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

Spanberger’s remarks drew sharp criticism from her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, whose campaign accused Spanberger of prioritizing criminals over victims. Earle-Sears’ press secretary, Peyton Vogel, stated, “Abigail Spanberger’s outrage over criminal illegal immigrants being taken off our streets is everything Virginians need to know about what kind of governor she’d be — criminals first, victims last.” The campaign also highlighted Spanberger’s voting record in Congress, alleging she contributed to policies that allow criminal migrants to remain in the country.

A spokesperson for Spanberger clarified that the Democrat supports removing violent criminals who are in the country illegally, but maintains that law enforcement must follow established procedures. “Abigail believes that violent criminals who are in the United States illegally should not be allowed to stay and that immigration enforcement should be focused on removing these individuals,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing her law enforcement background and commitment to due process during arrests.

DHS pushed back against Spanberger’s characterization of the ICE operation. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the decision to conduct the raid at the courthouse, saying it saves resources and increases safety, both for officers and the public, since the individuals have already been screened for weapons. McLaughlin further disputed suggestions that agents failed to properly identify themselves, noting that plainclothes officers commonly wear masks for their protection due to threats from extremist groups.

The clash underscores how immigration has become a central issue in the upcoming governor’s contest. Earle-Sears, recently endorsed by outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin, has released campaign ads criticizing Spanberger for her past opposition to a border wall, while Spanberger’s campaign claims her bipartisan efforts in Congress have strengthened border security and targeted drug cartels.

Virginians head to the polls this November to select their next governor, with the debate over immigration policy—particularly the intersection of enforcement methods and public safety—likely to play a defining role in the final months of the campaign.