Fairfax County"s sanctuary policy linked to rising violent crime in 2021

In January 2021, Fairfax County implemented a sanctuary policy that has been linked to an increase in violent crime. This policy restricts the sharing of law enforcement information and does not allow the tracking of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Notable incidents include the arrest of Franklin Viera Guevara, an illegal immigrant charged with child neglect and cruelty, who had previously been deported. His case highlights the dangers posed by individuals who are allowed to remain in the community despite prior offenses. Another alarming case involved a Honduran national arrested for multiple counts of felony carnal knowledge of a child. Despite serious charges, he was released from custody without an ICE detainer being honored. This pattern of releasing individuals with serious criminal backgrounds raises concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of local law enforcement in protecting residents. The sanctuary policy has led to a lack of transparency regarding crimes committed by illegal immigrants, as the Fairfax County Police Department does not track such statistics. This has resulted in a situation where the community is unaware of the potential threats posed by undocumented individuals living in the area. Critics argue that the sanctuary policy, combined with federal immigration policies, has created an environment where dangerous individuals can evade accountability, ultimately putting the safety of Fairfax County residents at risk. The ongoing debate over these policies continues to evoke strong opinions about the balance between immigration enforcement and community safety.