FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA (7News) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed to 7News reporter Nick Minnock the arrest of an undocumented immigrant in Fairfax County, Virginia, who is sought in connection with a murder case.
Marco Tulio Lopez Romero, 44, was apprehended in Reston and is wanted for murder in his native El Salvador, according to ICE.
Lopez-Romero entered the United States illegally in July 2016, crossing the border near McAllen, Texas. An arrest warrant was issued by Salvadoran authorities on December 6, 2017, for murder.
He was taken into custody outside his home in Reston on March 31, 2026, and is currently held by ICE as he navigates the process regarding his potential release.
Robert Gadian, Director of the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office, emphasized that Lopez-Romero represents the type of illegal immigrant who should not be allowed to remain in communities. He noted the contrast between Lopez’s status, wanted for aggravated murder, and the coverage suggesting he is a “non-criminal” due to his lack of a criminal record in the United States.
ICE reports that approximately 70% of arrests involve undocumented immigrants who have either been charged with or convicted of crimes in the U.S., a figure that doesn’t account for those wanted for offenses in their home countries.
Recent criticisms have arisen regarding Fairfax County leaders and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s “sanctuary” policies for undocumented immigrants, drawing scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Notably, three out of four homicide suspects in Fairfax County this year are illegal immigrants, with the victims including individuals ranging from a 3-month-old infant to a single mother.
Earlier this year, one of Spanberger’s first actions as governor was to disband the state law enforcement agency responsible for collaborating with ICE on the deportation of violent undocumented immigrants. Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid has also refused to cooperate with ICE on detaining undocumented immigrants. Under the leadership of Chairman Jeff McKay, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prohibits local police from notifying ICE about the presence of violent undocumented immigrants. Additionally, Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano has faced criticism for granting clemency to violent undocumented offenders in the county.
Descano’s website indicates that his office considers immigration consequences when making prosecution and plea-bargaining decisions, aiming to mitigate the negative impact on families and communities. It states that treating individuals equitably, regardless of immigration status, is vital to upholding the values of Fairfax County.
Lawmakers have requested that Descano and Kincaid testify on Capitol Hill regarding Fairfax County’s immigration policies in an upcoming hearing.
