Youngkin Blasts Local Leaders on Immigration Policy After MS-13 Arrest

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) visited Stafford County today, urging Northern Virginia officials to reinstate cooperation with federal immigration authorities following the high-profile arrest of a suspected MS-13 gang leader in Dale City.

“It is not rocking the boat. It’s collaborating to keep communities safe,” Youngkin said, referencing renewed calls from residents to restore Prince William County’s participation in the controversial 287(g) program. The program allows local jail officers to identify and refer undocumented immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for possible removal.

On March 26, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested Wilmer Ernesto Canales-Rodriguez, 31, in Dale City. Authorities describe him as a “high-ranking leader of the MS-13 street gang” linked to violent criminal activity, including drug and human trafficking along the East Coast. He is being held without bond at the Prince William–Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center, pending extradition on federal charges.

Youngkin said the arrest was the result of “a four-week process” in which federal cooperation helped “unpick networks” of gang activity in the region. “Yesterday, we were able to arrest the East Coast leader of MS-13, living right here in Prince William County,” he said. “Elected leaders who are resistant to collaborating with federal resources… aren’t taking into consideration the well-being of their own constituents. They need to get with it.”

He cited a 500% increase in the number of arrests of violent undocumented criminals compared to the same time last year, attributing the spike to renewed collaboration with federal law enforcement. “What was going on before was wonderful police work by local folks, but it pales in comparison to what we can do now,” he said.

Community Push to Reinstate 287(g)

The governor’s remarks follow community outcry at a March 19 meeting of the Prince William–Manassas Regional Jail Board. Manassas resident Ben Walters told Potomac Local News he was turned away from the meeting along with others who hoped to voice support for reinstating 287(g).

“I submitted written comments well in advance, but they were not made available at the meeting. And since I wasn’t allowed in, I also had no opportunity to present them verbally,” Walters wrote.

Jail Board Chairman and Prince William County Sheriff Glendell Hill acknowledged the limitations of the small meeting space and a failed livestream QR code. He said future meetings may be moved to larger venues if public interest continues.

Hill emphasized that reinstating 287(g) was not on the March agenda.

“The public does not set the board’s agenda… To make changes based on speculation is unwise,” Hill said.

He also clarified that while the jail continues to house ICE detainees and receives revenue for doing so, staffing shortages limit further cooperation. Prince William County ended its 287(g) agreement in 2020 following public protests and concerns about trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

Local Reactions Divided

Elected officials offered mixed responses to the arrest and the renewed debate over 287(g).

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-10, Manassas) praised law enforcement but criticized the handling of the announcement.

“There is no home for MS-13 or any group that wants to engage in violence, drug trafficking, or human trafficking in Virginia. I commend the brave law enforcement officers… but the Trump Administration seems to prefer to turn serious law enforcement action into political theater,” Subramanyam said.

“Violent gang members have no place in our Commonwealth or Prince William County… Their bravery has made us all safer,” said Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-Bristow).

Prince William County Supervisor Tom Gordy (Brentsville District) said his office was not informed before the arrest or the press conference but voiced support for interagency cooperation.

“The majority of violent crimes, outside of domestic violence, is gang and/or drug related,” Gordy said. “I support any measure which would increase local cooperation with federal authorities who are working to make Prince William safer.”

The next Jail Board meeting is scheduled for May. Sheriff Hill said public comments may still be submitted in writing under existing bylaws, though verbal comments remain optional.