The Department of Homeland Security publicly criticized Virginia’s immigration policies Wednesday after a Prince William County man charged with sexually abusing a young child was granted bond, prompting federal officials to call on Gov. Abigail Spanberger to intervene.
The case centers on Jose Nahun Aleman Hernandez, 43, of Woodbridge, who was arrested June 3 by the Prince William County Police Department and charged with aggravated sexual battery involving a 5-year-old girl.
According to police, the alleged incidents occurred at a babysitter’s residence where both the child and Hernandez were present. Investigators allege the abuse took place over an extended period, spanning from January 2023 through March 2026.
Authorities reported that no physical injuries were documented.
Despite the seriousness of the charge, Hernandez was granted a $5,000 secured bond, a decision that quickly drew criticism from the Department of Homeland Security.
In a statement posted on social media, DHS accused Virginia’s leadership of creating conditions that make it more difficult for federal immigration authorities to detain individuals in the country illegally who are accused of serious crimes.
“Sanctuary Spanberger’s REFUSAL to work with ICE has made Virginians less safe and the commonwealth a magnet for illegal alien crime,” DHS wrote.
The agency’s statement framed the case as an example of what it views as the consequences of sanctuary-style policies that limit cooperation between local jurisdictions and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Federal officials are urging state authorities to ensure Hernandez is not released while criminal proceedings continue.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Spanberger had not publicly responded to the criticism. Her office also did not immediately provide comment when contacted by media outlets regarding the DHS statement.
The case is likely to intensify ongoing political disputes over immigration enforcement and cooperation between state and federal authorities.
Supporters of stronger cooperation with ICE argue that local governments should work closely with federal immigration officials, particularly when individuals are charged with violent or sexual offenses. Opponents of sanctuary-policy restrictions contend that public safety is compromised when immigration detainers are not honored or when federal authorities face obstacles in taking custody of criminal suspects.
Meanwhile, advocates of sanctuary policies often argue that local law enforcement functions more effectively when immigrant communities feel comfortable reporting crimes and cooperating with police without fear of immigration consequences.
For now, the focus remains on the criminal case itself. Hernandez faces aggravated sexual battery charges, and the allegations against him remain subject to judicial proceedings. Prosecutors will ultimately bear the burden of proving the charges in court.
