The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Rick Martinez Lopez, a Guatemalan national, on October 14, 2025. Martinez Lopez has multiple convictions in Virginia, including sexual assault of a child, failure to register as a sex offender, and probation violation.
In August 2025, ICE placed an arrest detainer on Martinez Lopez with the Richmond City Jail. However, jail officials did not honor the detainer and released him into the community.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the release: “To allow a convicted pedophile, registered sex offender, illegal alien to freely roam Virginia streets is barbaric. It is unconscionable to think sanctuary policies and political activists would rather protect this sicko than our own nation’s children. Every sanctuary politician in Virginia is putting the safety of Americans at risk with their dangerous and lawless policies.”
Martinez Lopez entered the United States at an unknown date and without inspection by immigration officials.
DHS stated that ICE officers are continuing enforcement efforts despite not receiving pay during the current government shutdown.
