A Mexican national with convictions for assault, rape, and child molestation—identified as Eduardo Roman Velazquez‑Rodriguez—was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and ICE agents in Spokane. He is now in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.
According to ICE officials, Velazquez‑Rodriguez had served a 15-month prison sentence for child sexual abuse and rape, but was apparently released into the community due to Washington’s sanctuary policies, which restrict state cooperation with federal immigration authorities. ICE condemned these policies, arguing they allow dangerous individuals to remain in the U.S. unlawfully and pose risks, especially to children.
The arrest underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and Washington’s sanctuary framework, established under past Democratic leadership. Critics say the policies have contributed to tragic outcomes.
One notable instance occurred in March 2024, when Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd was killed in the line of duty during a DUI stop. The motorist responsible, an undocumented immigrant with a lengthy criminal record, remained in the country under sanctuary protections. He has since been convicted and sentenced to over 10 years in prison, with deportation pending his release.
In recent years, immigration enforcement advocates have increasingly warned that sanctuary laws create loopholes for repeat offenders to avoid detection and removal. Critics argue that these policies not only obstruct federal law but also endanger public safety by allowing violent criminals to re-enter communities without oversight. While proponents claim sanctuary measures protect immigrant communities, high-profile incidents like Velazquez-Rodriguez’s release continue to raise alarm among law enforcement and victims’ rights groups.
Lawmakers at the federal level have introduced multiple bills to defund sanctuary jurisdictions or compel cooperation with ICE detainer requests, but most have stalled due to partisan gridlock. With the 2026 election cycle approaching, Republican candidates are expected to place renewed focus on border security and criminal alien enforcement, especially in states where sanctuary laws remain in place despite their consequences.
