A tragic incident in rural Louisa County, Virginia, has sparked a heated debate over the state’s immigration policies. Mexican national Raul Genesis Ortiz Moran, an illegal immigrant, is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering a 2-year-old girl.

Cooperation with ICE

Despite Governor Abigail Spanberger’s day-one order rescinding the 287(g) agreement, which cut cooperative ties between ICE and Virginia State Police, local authorities in Goochland and Louisa counties cooperated with ICE to take Ortiz Moran into federal custody.

Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis stated, ‘This horrific tragedy was completely avoidable, because this illegal alien should have never been in our country. Governor Spanberger’s sanctuary policies have made Virginia a hotbed for illegal alien crime.’

Response from Governor Spanberger

A spokesperson for Governor Spanberger responded, ‘The Governor strongly believes violent criminals who are in the United States illegally should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and deported.’ The spokesperson added that the Virginia Department of Corrections continues to notify ICE when individuals born outside of the United States are in state custody.

Ortiz Moran has been arrested on charges of murder and aggravated sexual battery. The mother, who brought the girl to police, is reportedly the suspect’s girlfriend.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.