Crime and Local Law Enforcement

DHS says an immigrant identified as Morales‑Ortez — who it says was admitted to the U.S. in 2016, had his immigration proceedings dismissed in 2022 and was marked a "non‑enforcement priority" — was released by Fairfax County after an ICE detainer was not honored and has since been accused of murder, with DHS blaming the county for the killing. Fairfax County and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office say honoring ICE detainers is the responsibility of Sheriff Stacey Kincaid’s office and that earlier charges were nolle prossed because the alleged victim moved abroad, refused to appear, and prosecutors lacked necessary testimony.