Three Undocumented Immigrants Released on Bond After Virginia Child Exploitation Investigation

Federal immigration authorities have confirmed that three of nine suspects arrested in connection with a child exploitation operation in Fairfax County, Virginia, are undocumented immigrants with significant criminal backgrounds. The Department of Homeland Security disclosed the identities and histories of the three men to media outlets, all of whom have since been released on bond pending trial.

Law enforcement officials reported that the nine suspects traveled to Fairfax County with the intent to engage in sexual contact with minors. The individuals had allegedly participated in sexually explicit online conversations with undercover detectives who were posing as juveniles, police announced Wednesday.

DHS identified the three undocumented immigrants as Reyben Leono Sanchez Hernandez, 21, from El Salvador; Wilmer Alexander Aguilar Cruz, 28, from El Salvador; and Henry Adalberto Flores Herrera, 39. According to federal authorities, all three men had previously attempted illegal entry into the United States and were subsequently released during the Obama administration.

Sanchez Hernandez was apprehended near Rio Grande Valley attempting illegal entry on September 25, 2013, and released approximately one month later. His criminal record includes solicitation of prostitution involving a minor and driving with a suspended license. An ICE detainer was filed against him on July 29, though he was released on a $3,000 secured bond.

Aguilar Cruz was detained by Border Patrol near Hidalgo, Texas, in late 2012 and released into the country two weeks later. His background encompasses allegations of computer solicitation of a child, indecent liberties, proposed sex acts, sodomy, extortion, and threats to commit arson. Following a 2019 arrest in Prince William County for threatening to bomb or burn property, he was released on $3,000 secured bond after an ICE detainer was placed July 31.

Flores Herrera’s criminal history includes felony solicitation of prostitution from a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, driving under the influence, and traffic violations. An ICE detainer was placed on July 17, and he was released on a $5,000 secured bond. DHS did not provide information regarding how Flores Herrera initially entered the country.

DHS officials attributed the cases to immigration policies under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, characterizing their approaches as enabling unauthorized entry. A departmental spokesperson stated the administration is now prioritizing enforcement and has halted what they describe as “catch and release” practices.

Federal authorities have also criticized Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s immigration cooperation policies, noting that executive orders signed upon her taking office banned state collaboration with ICE and terminated 287(g) agreements between state and local agencies. DHS called on the governor to prioritize community safety by increasing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.