A Honduran national facing serious child-sex charges is back in federal custody after ICE arrested him in Fairfax County, Virginia — despite local officials previously releasing him, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Oscar Evaristo Nunez was first arrested August 27, 2025, on aggravated sexual battery charges involving minors and counts of nonconsensually filming an undressed minor. ICE lodged a detainer two days later, but DHS says Fairfax County refused to honor it and released him without notifying federal agents.
ICE arrested Nunez on September 15, 2026, in a targeted operation. He remains in custody pending immigration proceedings. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin blasted "sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County," saying ICE "did the job that these heartless sanctuary politicians won't do."
The criminal allegations are charges, not convictions.
What to watch next: how Virginia officials respond — and whether this case becomes a template in the detainer fight nationwide.