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The governor’s decision to shield an illegal immigrant wanted for homicide has sparked a heated debate over the balance between immigration policy and public safety.Reston Today
Virginia’s Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger has ended the state’s 287(g) cooperation agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), drawing criticism from law enforcement officials. One of the individuals protected under Spanberger’s policy is Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero, an illegal immigrant wanted in El Salvador for homicide charges.
Why it matters
The termination of the 287(g) program has raised concerns that it will allow dangerous criminal aliens to avoid deportation and remain in Virginia communities, potentially posing a threat to public safety. The case of Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero, who is wanted for a homicide in his home country, highlights the potential risks of such policies.
The details
In one of her first actions as governor, Abigail Spanberger ended Virginia’s 287(g) agreement with ICE, which had required state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This has allowed illegal immigrants like Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero, who is wanted in El Salvador for homicide, to avoid detection and arrest by ICE. Lopez-Romero entered the U.S. illegally in 2016 and was recently apprehended by ICE outside his home in the Washington, D.C. area.
In July 2016, Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero entered the United States illegally near McAllen, Texas.On December 6, 2017, authorities in El Salvador issued an arrest warrant charging Lopez-Romero with homicide.In the last week of March 2026, ICE arrested Lopez-Romero outside his home in the Washington, D.C. area.
The players
Abigail Spanberger
The Democratic Governor of Virginia who terminated the state’s 287(g) cooperation agreement with ICE.
Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero
A 44-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador who is wanted in his home country on homicide charges.
Robert Guadian
The ERO Field Office Director for ICE, who criticized the governor’s policy and emphasized the agency’s commitment to public safety.
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What they’re saying
“Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero is exactly the type of illegal alien fugitive that ICE will not allow to roam free in our communities.”
— Robert Guadian, ERO Field Office Director, ICE
What’s next
ICE officials have stated they will continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of criminal aliens like Lopez-Romero, despite the governor’s policy change. The case is likely to remain a point of contention between state and federal authorities.
The takeaway
Governor Spanberger’s decision to end Virginia’s cooperation with ICE has raised concerns about public safety, as it allows dangerous criminal aliens like Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero to potentially evade deportation and remain in local communities. The case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the balance between state and federal authority.