Virginia’s sanctuary-style policies are once again under scrutiny after ICE arrested a previously convicted criminal illegal alien in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and other narcotics. The case is renewing concerns about public safety, border enforcement, and the consequences of limiting cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials.

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From The Federalist:

“Virginia is a hotbed for criminal illegal alien crime,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement. “Criminals flock to sanctuary Virginia because they know Governor Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians will protect them.”

According to DHS, ICE arrested Eduardo Perez-Legra on May 4 in Newport News, Virginia. When law enforcement searched Perez-Legra after arresting him, they “seized 19.5 grams of cocaine, 101 oxycodone pills, 5 fentanyl pills, and 27 individually packaged suboxone sublingual films.”

Perez-Legra was previously convicted of drug trafficking four times. He also has two prior felony convictions for cocaine possession, according to the agency. The illegal alien from Cuba reportedly obtained a green card in 2004. He was “eligible for removal” after being convicted as a felon in 2011, but instead the Obama administration released him in “despite a Department of Justice Immigration Judge issuing him a final order of removal” in May 2012, the DHS said in a press release.

The arrest has intensified debate over Virginia’s immigration policies under Governor Abigail Spanberger. Critics argue that restricting cooperation between state law enforcement and ICE creates an environment where dangerous offenders can remain in communities instead of being detained or deported. The Spanberger administration may think it’s protecting its constituents’ freedoms, but refusing to work with ICE only puts Virginia’s communities at risk.

DHS also highlighted several additional cases involving illegal aliens accused or convicted of violent crimes in Virginia, including crimes against minors, sexual assault, and murder. These incidents have fueled growing concerns among many Virginians about the impact of sanctuary-style policies on public safety. The repeated involvement of fentanyl and narcotics in these arrests is especially alarming as communities across the nation continue battling the deadly opioid epidemic.

Our nation desperately needs wisdom, justice, and righteous leadership. Scripture reminds us that government authorities are called to protect the innocent and punish evil. This moment should move us to pray for law enforcement officers, for leaders making critical policy decisions, and for the safety of families across Virginia and the nation.

Share this article and pray for wisdom, justice, and safety in every American community.

(Excerpt from The Federalist. Photo Credit: Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Flickr)