ICE Says Arlington Sanctuary Rules Prevented Felon’s Detention

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Federal immigration officers say they’ve taken a Guatemalan man with a felony record off the streets of Arlington — after the sanctuary county’s policies kept him out of ICE custody.

Edgar Bernabe Estrada, 45, was arrested on Oct. 20 by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team in Washington, DC, authorities announced on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Officials said Estrada’s record includes arrests for larceny, manufacturing or selling a fake driver’s license, and a felony breaking and entering conviction that landed him more than two and a half years in prison.

“Edgar Bernabe Estrada illegally entered the United States and has been arrested several times by local law enforcement,” Russ Hott, ICE ERO Washington field office director, stated. “Most recently, he broke into someone’s residence with the intention of committing a felony.”

Hott said the case highlights a growing issue in Arlington, where county leaders voted earlier this year to bar cooperation with ICE — even in cases involving repeat offenders.

“We remain absolutely committed to our mission of enforcing immigration laws throughout Virginia and the District, even in jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with ICE,” Hott said.

ICE said Estrada entered the US illegally at an unknown time and location.

"Earlier this year, Arlington County board members voted to prohibit law enforcement cooperation with ICE even for cases involving transnational gang members and terrorists," officials said.

Under Arlington’s sanctuary policy, ICE said, “county officials release criminal alien offenders back into their community to reoffend, rather than allowing ICE officers to arrest them while they’re in local law enforcement custody.”