U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended a Guatemalan gang member, Mykol Santos-Santos, in Fairfax, Virginia. The arrest occurred on May 12 after the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center declined to honor ICE's immigration detainer for the 16th time.
Santos-Santos, aged 25, has a history of criminal activity including assault and battery, burglary, credit card fraud, trespassing, and drug-related offenses. During his arrest by ICE Washington, D.C., he resisted heavily, resulting in an injury to an ICE officer.
Russell Hott, Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Washington, D.C., stated: "Mykol Santos-Santos is a habitual offender. He is a documented member of a violent criminal gang with a lengthy criminal history and represents an egregious danger to our Virginia communities." Hott criticized local law enforcement for not cooperating with ICE detainers: "We could have worked together with local law enforcement to arrange a safe transfer of custody. Instead, they decided to place politics ahead of public safety."
Santos-Santos was initially arrested by U.S. Border Patrol on July 11, 2014, after entering the United States illegally near Hidalgo, Texas. He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge from the Justice Department.
On July 17, 2018, ICE Washington D.C. arrested him during a targeted operation in Annandale, Virginia. A Justice Department immigration judge granted him an $8,000 bond on January 2, 2019. On June 30, 2023, another judge ordered his removal from the United States to Guatemala.
Between February 20, 2020 and May 8, 2025, Santos-Santos faced at least 30 arrests by Fairfax County Police for various charges including drug possession and distribution intent among others.
Despite repeated attempts by ICE Washington D.C., the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center ignored all detainers lodged against Santos-Santos between June 17, 2022 and May 12, 2025.
The public can report crimes or suspicious activities through phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE or via the online tip form.
Further information about ICE’s efforts to enhance public safety can be found on their social media account @EROWashington.
