ICE Nabs Fairfax, VA Suspect After County Twice Declines Detainers; 10 Arrests, 19 Charges Fuel Sanctuary Policy Clash

DHS says Fairfax County declined ICE detainers in 2023 and July 2025 for Jorge Armando Melendez-Gonzalez, who has 10 arrests and 19 charges; ICE arrested him Oct. 24. Fairfax officials dispute the "sanctuary" label and say no judicial warrant was on file, while DHS blames county policies for public safety risks. The case aligns with a regional uptick in VA/NC clashes over detainers and cooperation with ICE.