ICE Arrests Iranian Sex Offender as Virginia Democrats Limit Cooperation

At a time when public safety is front and center for voters, federal immigration authorities have arrested an Iranian national in Virginia with a disturbing criminal history just weeks after state Democrats moved to curb cooperation with ICE.

The Washington, D.C. field office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of Shayan Kahhal, an illegal immigrant whose record includes rape and multiple forcible sodomy convictions dating back to 2011. His listing on Virginia’s sex offender registry placed him near the heavily trafficked Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel corridor.

The timing has sparked renewed scrutiny of recent decisions by Virginia’s Democrat leadership to scale back immigration enforcement partnerships.

According to Virginia State Police records, Kahhal was convicted in 2011 of:

• Rape

• Two counts of forcible sodomy

Additional charges in his history include strong-arm rape and strong-arm sodomy involving both a woman and minors.

ICE officers took Kahhal into custody this week, underscoring the agency’s continued presence in the Commonwealth despite shifting state policies.

Nationally, ICE reported removing more than 142,000 non-citizens with criminal convictions in fiscal year 2023. Of those, thousands were convicted of violent offenses, including sexual assault. Public safety officials routinely note that repeat violent offenders represent a disproportionate share of serious crime.

The arrest comes shortly after Governor Abigail Spanberger reversed a 287(g) agreement established under former Governor Glenn Youngkin. The 287(g) program allows state and local law enforcement to partner directly with federal immigration authorities to identify and detain illegal immigrants involved in criminal activity.

Spanberger defended her executive order by stating that Virginia law enforcement resources should focus on “safety and security,” not federal civil immigration enforcement. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi echoed that position, arguing the move restores clarity and accountability.

But critics contend the reversal sends precisely the wrong signal at a time when border encounters remain historically high. U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded over 2.4 million migrant encounters in fiscal year 2023 alone one of the highest totals ever reported.

Meanwhile, State Sen. Saddam Salim introduced legislation that would significantly limit cooperation between Virginia law enforcement and ICE. The Democrat-controlled chamber passed the measure 21-19.

The bill prohibits agencies from entering into or renewing immigration enforcement agreements unless strict conditions are met. It also bars officers from assisting or authorizing resources for most federal immigration enforcement operations.

Supporters argue the measure protects immigrant communities and builds trust. Opponents warn it creates unnecessary barriers to removing dangerous criminals.

The debate comes amid broader national concerns about crime and immigration enforcement. According to a 2024 Gallup survey, 41% of Americans cite immigration as the most important issue facing the country the highest level recorded in decades. Violent crime remains a top concern in urban and suburban communities alike.

For critics of Virginia’s policy shift, Kahhal’s arrest highlights the risks of limiting coordination between state authorities and ICE. They argue that partnerships like 287(g) are designed specifically to prevent violent offenders from slipping through bureaucratic cracks.

Governor Spanberger has emphasized that Virginia law enforcement will continue honoring valid judicial warrants and complying with state law. But as this latest arrest shows, federal agents remain active in pursuing individuals with serious criminal convictions regardless of political headwinds.

With immigration and crime poised to dominate the 2024 election cycle, Virginia’s policy decisions may serve as a preview of a larger national fight over public safety and border enforcement.

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