Connect with us

Southeast

Major blue county in hot seat after violent illegal alien arrested 10 times finally nabbed by ICE

Published

on

Major blue county in hot seat after violent illegal alien arrested 10 times finally nabbed by ICE

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

FIRST ON FOX: Fairfax County officials are in the hot seat after the Trump Department of Homeland Security says the county’s sanctuary policies allowed an illegal alien to walk free despite having been arrested ten times and having 19 criminal charges, including for malicious shooting and unlawful wounding.

The top Fairfax County official is disputing DHS’ characterization of it as a sanctuary county. However, Salvadoran national Jorge Armando Melendez-Gonzalez, 27, was arrested 10 times and has been charged with 19 different crimes in just over seven years, between March 19, 2018, and July 18, 2025, according to DHS.

He was finally arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Oct. 24 after DHS said officials at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center declined to honor an immigration detainer it lodged against him on July 18.

The July detainer was not the first time Fairfax County ignored an ICE request to hold Melendez-Gonzalez. ICE also lodged a detainer against him in 2023. According to DHS, “Fairfax County officials refused to honor the immigration detainer and released this dangerous criminal alien back into the community.”

Advertisement

ICE NABS 3-TIME DEPORTED ILLEGAL ALIEN CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING A POLICE OFFICER: ‘GOOD RIDDANCE’

Jorge Armando Melendez-Gonzalez, 27, was arrested 10 times and has been charged with 19 different crimes in just over seven years. (Fox News; Fairfax County Police Department)

The agency said Melendez-Gonzalez entered the U.S. illegally in June 2015. An immigration judge ordered his removal from the country just over a year later in October 2016.

Despite this, Melendez-Gonzalez stayed in the country for just over ten years, racking up a long list of offenses in Virginia. He has arrests for three counts of malicious shooting, unlawful wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, assault and battery, assault on a family member, grand larceny, trespassing, possessing a false government identification, public intoxication, disturbing the peace and making a false statement to a law enforcement officer.

He has two felony convictions for unlawful wounding stemming from a 2023 shooting, which carry sentences of three years in confinement. However, his sentence was reduced to a year.

Advertisement

According to a statement from the Fairfax County Police Department, detectives arrested Melendez-Gonzalez in August 2023 in a shooting that injured three men outside a business in Falls Church, Virginia.

Fox News Digital reached out to Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano, a Democrat, for the reason for Melendez-Gonzalez’s sentence being suspended. A spokesperson for the commonwealth’s attorney’s office declined to comment, referring Fox News Digital to the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, which, the spokesperson said, “is responsible for handling ICE detainers.”

SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS AFTER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SCREAMS DURING VIRAL DC ARREST: ‘WHAT I VOTED FOR’

The Fairfax County, Virginia, Adult Detention Center allegedly ignored an ICE detainer to hold Melendez-Gonzalez. (Fairfax County)

Allyson Conroy, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, which runs the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, told Fox News Digital, “We did not have a judicial warrant on file from ICE for Jorge Armando Melendez-Gonzalez for either date, Aug. 28, 2023, nor for July 18 of this year.”

Advertisement

Conroy said “the sheriff’s office could not maintain custody over Mr. Melendez-Gonzalez.”

Regarding the suspension of Melendez-Gonalez’s sentence, Conroy said that decision “is in the discretion of the judge or the assigned commonwealth’s attorney. You should contact those individuals for further information.”

Fox News Digital also reached out to representatives for Fairfax County regarding the Fairfax County Circuit Court’s decision but did not immediately receive a response.

Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey McKay, also a Democrat, responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, saying, “Fairfax County, through the Board of Supervisors, does not control or make decisions regarding ICE detainers or judicial sentencing; those responsibilities fall to the sheriff and the courts, respectively.”

He said Fairfax County “does not consider itself a sanctuary jurisdiction and continues to follow all applicable federal and state laws.”

Advertisement

ILLEGAL MIGRANT WITH HISTORY OF CHILD ABUSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO RAM ICE AGENTS IN COLORADO

Steve Descano, commonwealth’s attorney-elect in Fairfax County, Virginia, speaks at an event at the Center for American Progress about Virginia’s newly elected progressive prosecutors Dec. 17, 2019. (Getty Images)

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, however, placed the blame squarely on the county’s sanctuary policies.

“These sanctuary policies make Virginians less safe,” McLaughlin told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

“Fairfax County refused to honor two ICE arrest detainers and chose to release this criminal back onto Virginia’s streets. Virginia sanctuary politicians protected this criminal illegal alien and allowed him to terrorize American citizens,” she added.

“Thanks to the brave men and women of ICE law enforcement, this serial violent criminal with 10 previous arrests is now off of Virginia’s streets.”

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement

Southeast

At least 1 dead in campus shooting at Kentucky State University as governor says suspect in custody: police

Published

on

At least 1 dead in campus shooting at Kentucky State University as governor says suspect in custody: police

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Authorities confirmed Tuesday afternoon that a shooting at the Kentucky State University (KSU) campus in Frankfort claimed the life of at least one victim, with another transported to a hospital in “stable but critical” condition.

Frankfort Police shared during a news briefing that the two victims, both KSU students, each had gunshot wounds.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear first announced that the shooting had occurred at KSU via X, sharing that the suspect has been arrested. He later added the shooting appears to be “an isolated incident.”

“The shooting that took place today at Kentucky State University appears to be an isolated incident – not a mass shooting,” Beshear wrote. “The suspect has been arrested, and there is no ongoing threat.”

Advertisement

FATAL SHOOTING ROCKS LUXURY MGM CASINO AS POLICE HUNT FOR GUNMAN

Kentucky State University campus in Frankfort, Ky. (iStock)

“Two individuals were critically injured, and I am sad to share that one has now passed away,” Beshear added in his post with a video address attached.

“We are aware of a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort,” Beshear announced earlier in the afternoon. “At this time, we are aware of some injuries. We will share more information as available.” 

“Law enforcement are on scene, and a suspect has been arrested. Let’s pray for all those affected,” he concluded.

Advertisement

Frankfort Police Department confirmed in a social media post that it responded to “an active aggressor” on the KSU campus around 3:30 p.m. local time Tuesday. 

Later, police announced “one person is deceased” and “one has been transported to the hospital in stable but critical condition,” with the suspect remaining in custody.

MULTIPLE VICTIMS WITH GUNSHOT WOUNDS AT VALLEY FAIR MALL IN CALIFORNIA ON BLACK FRIDAY: POLICE

Law enforcement responded to a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Ky., on Tuesday. (WDKY)

Police said both the department and university will share more information as it becomes available.

Advertisement

The Frankfort Sheriff’s Office wrote via Facebook that they “secured the campus and have a suspect in custody.”

The campus stayed under lockdown during the investigation, but there are “no active safety concerns on campus at this time” according to Assistant Chief of Frankfort Police Scott Tracy.

According to local reports citing police, the shooting occurred in a residence hall on campus.

Fox News Digital has contacted the KSU and Frankfort police for further comment. 

Advertisement

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading

Southeast

Prison officers intercept drone delivering steak, crab legs with seasoning to inmates in contraband drop

Published

on

Prison officers intercept drone delivering steak, crab legs with seasoning to inmates in contraband drop

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A drone carrying a gourmet holiday haul of food and contraband was intercepted at a South Carolina correctional facility early Sunday morning, according to state officials.

The bundle, which included steak, crab legs, marijuana and cigarettes, was confiscated at Lee Correctional Institution (LCI) in Bishopville, according to prison officers.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) announced the seizure on X, tagging the post with “#ContrabandChristmas.”

“Seems some folks were planning an early holiday Old Bay [Seasoning] crab boil and steak dinner along with their marijuana and cigarettes — all dropped by a drone at Lee CI,” SCDC wrote.

Advertisement

A DRONE FOR EVERY SOLDIER IN ARMY OF THE FUTURE, DRISCOLL SAYS

Assorted contraband including crab legs, packaged raw meat, tobacco, cigarettes, Old Bay seasoning and plastic wrap are spread across a tile floor. (SCDC)

Photos released by the department show the unique haul included a raw steak, plastic-wrapped crab legs, Old Bay Seasoning, a carton of Marlboro cigarettes, two large bags of marijuana and a vacuum-sealed bag of loose tobacco.

Authorities told Fox News Digital that the drone was recovered along with the package. The incident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.

“As you likely know, we often see odd items included in contraband packages, but this was a bit unusual, even for us,” SCDC spokeswoman Chrysti Shain said. “I’m guessing the inmates who were expecting this package are a bit crabby.”

Advertisement

ZELENSKYY GIVES STARK WARNING ON FUTURE OF DRONE WARFARE AT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Two large plastic bags filled with marijuana sit on a wooden desk next to a knife. (SCDC)

The SCDC and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office have spent years dealing with persistent drone drops at LCI.

“Contraband is a real threat to prisons across the country, and we fight nightly attacks from drones dropping dangerous drugs (often fentanyl and meth) onto prison yards,” Shain said. “We go to extraordinary lengths to combat drones.”

UFO-LIKE ‘DRONES’ TARGETED POLICE HELICOPTER OVER AIR BASE BEFORE VANISHING: REPORT

Advertisement

At least a dozen drones were confiscated in 2022 at Lee Correctional Institution in South Carolina. (SCDC)

In 2022, an eight-month investigation at Lee Correctional led to 20 arrests and the seizure of 12 drones, as well as 100 pounds of contraband, authorities reported. 

Additionally, officers discovered three abandoned drones in the woods near the prison fences.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Law enforcement reported that the drones involved have grown larger and are capable of carrying heavier loads.

Advertisement

“These large drones can carry heavier and heavier packages,” Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon said in a 2022 statement. “We are working hard to stop them from getting in the wrong hands.”

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Southeast

DHS launching massive immigration operation in Louisiana, Mississippi: ‘Swamp Sweep’

Published

on

DHS launching massive immigration operation in Louisiana, Mississippi: ‘Swamp Sweep’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to deploy roughly 250 federal border agents to Louisiana and Mississippi in a sweeping operation aimed at arresting nearly 5,000 people in the two states, The Associated Press reported Tuesday, citing internal documents and people familiar with the operation.

The two-month immigration initiative, dubbed “Swamp Sweep,” is expected to begin Dec. 1 and will center heavily on southeastern Louisiana, according to the report. The crackdown marks one of the largest single-state deployments of immigration authorities under the Trump administration to date.

Agents are expected to start arriving in New Orleans on Friday to position equipment, vehicles and other logistics before fanning out into communities across Louisiana. Operations will stretch from New Orleans through Jefferson, St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes, reaching north toward Baton Rouge, the AP said. Additional enforcement is being planned in southeastern Mississippi, though details remain limited.

DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

Advertisement

TRUMP’S LOOMING CHICAGO TAKEOVER PUTS VIOLENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIMES IN SPOTLIGHT: ‘INCOMPETENT MAYOR’ 

Border Patrol agents may be deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi this week as part of Trump’s widening crackdown on illegal immigration. (Getty Images)

“For the safety and security of law enforcement we’re not going to telegraph potential operations,” spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the outlet.

ILLINOIS DEMOCRAT LEADERS BLAST TRUMP PUSH TO SEND NATIONAL GUARD TO CHICAGO

An aerial view of New Orleans’ downtown skyline is seen behind suburban homes on Aug. 26, 2025. (Brandon Bell)

Advertisement

Spokespeople for Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves — both Republicans who have previously backed President Donald Trump and his agenda — also did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. 

Reeves announced in August that he “approved the deployment of approximately 200 Mississippi National Guard Soldiers to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump’s effort to return law and order to our nation’s capital.” 

In May, Landry similarly touted a partnership with “the federal government to crack down on criminal illegal aliens in the great State of Louisiana.”

TRUMP’S WEEK SHAPED BY CRIME AGENDA, POTENTIAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT TO CHICAGO

tom homan speaking

White House Border Czar Tom Homan answers questions during a television interview outside the White House on Sept. 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The expansion into Louisiana and Mississippi comes as the Trump administration accelerates its nationwide immigration enforcement strategy. Federal immigration officers have already been sent to major cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago and, most recently, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan told Fox News earlier Tuesday that additional operations are being prepared for New York City, signaling the crackdown is poised to widen even further in the weeks ahead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading

Trending