U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Washington, D.C., have taken a Honduran national into custody following the dismissal of charges against him by a Virginia court. The individual, Hyrum Baquedano-Rodriguez, was arrested on May 2 in Fairfax, Virginia.
Russell Hott, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director, commented on the arrest: “Though the court saw fit to drop his most recent charges, Hyrum Baquedano-Rodriguez has been convicted of numerous crimes in Virginia and represents a calamitous hazard to our Virginia residents.” He further stated that ICE would continue efforts to prioritize public safety by removing criminal alien offenders from communities in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.
Baquedano-Rodriguez's history with U.S. law enforcement began when he was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol near Yuma, Arizona, on August 25, 2018. He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge but was later released on bond in January 2019.
His legal troubles continued when Fairfax County Police arrested him on November 9, 2021. He faced charges of indecent liberties involving exposure to children and indecent exposure. On September 27, 2022, he was convicted of entering property with intent to damage and petit larceny by the Fairfax County General District Court and sentenced to prison time.
Further convictions followed for disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor on October 7, 2022. In March 2023, he received another conviction for entering property with intent to damage.
On June 17, 2023, Baquedano-Rodriguez faced additional charges related to abduction with intent to defile and burglary but these were dismissed by the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on May 2 this year.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed support for law enforcement efforts: “Protecting Virginians has been a top priority of our administration since day one... I’m grateful to our law enforcement officers at every level for working hard to keep Virginians and Americans safe.”
Following his arrest by ICE officers after the dismissal of charges earlier this month, Baquedano-Rodriguez remains in custody pending removal proceedings as ordered by an immigration judge last year.
The public is encouraged to report any crimes or suspicious activities through ICE’s hotline or online tip form.
More information about ICE’s community safety initiatives can be found via their social media presence at @EROWashington.
