An illegal immigrant from El Salvador has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl in Virginia Beach, local officials announced. Ricardo Leonel Mejia, who was convicted of multiple counts of child rape, indecent liberties with a minor, and statutory burglary, was arrested after the victim’s mother discovered him in her daughter’s bed following the abuse.
The case has ignited a heated debate among Virginia’s leaders regarding the state’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has proposed making Virginia a ‘sanctuary state’ to limit local law enforcement’s involvement with ICE in such cases, while Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears expressed strong condemnation of the crime, calling it a ‘clear message’ that such conduct is unacceptable. The incident has also highlighted ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with state leaders increasingly questioning the effectiveness of federal policies in addressing crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
Mejia, 35, was employed to renovate a family’s bathroom, where the abuse occurred in 2024. According to court documents, the victim’s mother discovered him in her daughter’s bed after forcing open a locked door with a butter knife. Mejia fled through a window but was eventually identified and arrested. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Mejia was in the country illegally and has issued a detainer for his case. Following his sentence at the Virginia Department of Corrections, he will be transferred to ICE custody for further proceedings.
During his sentencing, Mejia apologized to the victim, expressing regret for the pain he caused. ‘I know I am not the only one experiencing hard times. I’m sorry for the pain she is going through in this process,’ he said. Officials at the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office have acknowledged the public’s interest in the case, noting that it has drawn significant scrutiny from both local and national media. The incident has also prompted discussions about the broader implications of immigration policy, with critics arguing that such crimes should not be used as a justification for increased border security, while others believe strict enforcement is necessary to protect vulnerable communities.
Recent federal actions, including nationwide raids by ICE to apprehend undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes, have further intensified these debates. The case underscores the complex interplay between criminal justice and immigration policy, with advocates on both sides emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for victims. As the legal process continues, the case remains a focal point in the ongoing national conversation about the role of state and federal authorities in addressing crimes committed by undocumented individuals.