Three individuals arrested in a significant child exploitation investigation in Fairfax County, Virginia, have been released on bond. These men, identified as undocumented immigrants with prior criminal records, were apprehended after allegedly arranging to meet minors for sexual encounters, following online interactions with undercover detectives posing as juveniles. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the immigration status and criminal histories of the three men.
Details of the Arrests and Allegations
The operation targeted individuals who engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with minors. Undercover law enforcement officers posed as juveniles to identify and apprehend suspects who intended to meet these minors for sexual purposes in Fairfax County. In total, nine men were arrested as part of this sting operation.
Individuals Released on Bond
Among the nine arrested, three men were identified by DHS as undocumented immigrants. Their identities and alleged criminal backgrounds have been highlighted by the department. These individuals have since been released from custody after posting bond.
- Reyben Leono Sanchez Hernandez, 21, from El Salvador: According to DHS, Sanchez Hernandez’s past includes charges for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Fairfax County police also noted a charge for driving with a suspended license. Officials stated he was previously apprehended for illegally entering the U.S. near the Rio Grande Valley on September 25, 2013, and was released into the country approximately one month later. An immigration detainer was placed on him by ICE with the Fairfax County Detention Center on July 29. He was subsequently released on a $3,000 secured bond.
- Wilmer Alexander Aguilar Cruz, 28, from El Salvador: DHS reported that Aguilar Cruz was encountered by Border Patrol near Hidalgo, Texas, in late 2012 and released into the U.S. under the Obama administration about two weeks thereafter. His alleged criminal history reportedly includes accusations related to computer solicitation of a child, indecent liberties, proposed sex acts, sodomy, extortion, and threats to commit arson. In April 2019, Prince William County police arrested Aguilar Cruz on charges of making terroristic threats. ICE took him into custody two days later, and he was released on bond on August 9, 2019. An immigration detainer was lodged with the Fairfax County Detention Center on July 31. Local police confirmed his release on a $3,000 secured bond.
- Henry Adalberto Flores Herrera, 39: DHS indicated that Flores Herrera’s criminal history involves felony solicitation of prostitution from a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, driving under the influence, and a traffic violation. ICE placed an immigration detainer on Flores Herrera with the Fairfax County Detention Center on July 17. He has since been released on a $5,000 secured bond. The method by which Flores Herrera entered the U.S. was not disclosed by DHS.
Immigration Policy and Law Enforcement Cooperation
A DHS spokesperson attributed the presence of undocumented immigrants with criminal histories in communities like Fairfax County to immigration policies of past administrations, specifically mentioning the Obama administration. The spokesperson stated that current enforcement actions under the Trump administration are reversing previous “catch and release” policies.
The department also called for increased cooperation between Virginia state and local law enforcement agencies and ICE, urging Governor Abigail Spanberger to ensure that individuals detained by local authorities who are also subject to immigration detainers are turned over to federal immigration officials. DHS suggested that Virginia has become a focal point for crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants, citing executive orders signed by Governor Spanberger that reportedly limited cooperation with ICE.
The investigation and subsequent arrests underscore ongoing concerns regarding online child safety and the complexities of immigration enforcement. Fairfax County police stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further details to be released as they become available.
