During a visit to the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat, specifically asked to meet with several undocumented immigrants who have extensive criminal backgrounds. This information comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which shared details with the Daily Caller News Foundation.
One individual he requested to meet was Ricardo Hernando, a member of the 18th Street gang, known for a variety of serious crimes including theft and armed robbery. This gang, originating from Los Angeles, comprises a vast network with thousands of members across Mexico and Central America, primarily generating income through drug trafficking and involved in numerous violent offenses.
“Rep. Beyer personally requested that he meet 18,” stated DHS Deputy Chief Tricia McLaughlin in a public statement.
A spokesperson from Beyer’s office did not respond to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
In response to McLaughlin’s comments, she questioned when Beyer would meet the American victims of violent crimes perpetrated by undocumented immigrants.
In an interview with a local news outlet, Beyer contended that “probably three quarters” of detainees at the facility only face civil charges. Virginia lawmakers also interacted with detainees who reportedly lack any criminal records.
However, DHS disputed this, asserting that approximately 66% of individuals at the Farmville Detention Center have either been indicted or convicted of crimes in the U.S., a figure which excludes any prior criminal charges from their home countries.
Aside from Menendez, Beyer also met other detainees, including Carlos Amaya and Dennis Hernandez Medina, the latter being convicted for drug possession and distribution. He also spoke with Kevin Mark Cash, who has a conviction for DUI and reckless driving.
Democrats nationwide are actively working to counter the Trump administration’s efforts to tighten immigration control, leading to escalating tensions around detention facilities. Recently, dozens of Democrats initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking unrestricted access to these centers, a case that is presently being considered in federal court in Washington, D.C.
