Delegate Condemns ICE Handcuffing Minor

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents handcuffed and briefly detained a minor who was not the target of a raid in Manassas, Virginia, on May 20, 2026, according to reports from local lawmakers and media. The incident occurred during an operation at a shopping center on Sudley Road where ICE sought individuals with deportation orders. Virginia Delegate Michelle Maldonado condemned the action on Friday, saying she was "deeply troubled" by the treatment of bystanders . ### What exactly happened during the raid? ICE conducted the operation around 6 a.m. on May 20 at the Manassas Park Shopping Center, targeting five immigrants with final orders of removal, Prince William County Police confirmed in a statement. Agents detained four of the targets without incident, but in the process, they handcuffed at least one minor present at the scene who was not sought in the warrant, according to Del. Maldonado's office. The minor was released after about 30 minutes once agents confirmed their non-involvement (; ). Witnesses described agents in tactical gear detaining people indiscriminately, including shoppers and workers nearby. "This was not a surgical operation; it affected the entire community," Maldonado said in a public statement released May 23. No injuries were reported, and the fourth target remains at large, per ICE's public affairs office. ### Who is Delegate Maldonado? Michelle Maldonado, a Democrat representing Virginia's 50th House District in Prince William County, serves on the House Committee on Public Safety. Elected in 2023, she has focused on immigrant rights and police accountability, including sponsoring bills for sanctuary policies in schools. Maldonado represents Manassas Park and parts of Manassas, areas with large Latino populations—about 25% of Prince William County's 470,000 residents identify as Hispanic, per 2020 Census data (; ). Her district office received complaints from constituents within hours of the raid. Maldonado visited the site the next day and met with affected families. ### What did ICE say about handcuffing the minor? ICE's Washington field office stated that standard protocol during enforcement operations includes securing anyone in the immediate vicinity to ensure officer safety and prevent flight risks. "All individuals present were briefly detained and vetted; the minor was released upon verification of no criminal or immigration violations," spokesperson Ryan Mosley said in an email to reporters on May 22. ICE emphasized the minor was not injured and complied with all applicable laws . The agency reported 125 such targeted arrests nationwide in the past week as part of expanded interior enforcement under the current administration. No internal review has been announced. ### How did local leaders respond? Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-Large Victor Ramirez, also a Democrat, echoed Maldonado's concerns, calling for a joint briefing from ICE and local police. "Handcuffing children sends a chilling message to our community," Ramirez said at a May 22 press conference. The county's Immigrant Relations Commission scheduled an emergency meeting for May 27 to review the incident . Manassas City Council member John Hisley criticized the raid's optics but defended law enforcement. Advocacy group CASA Virginia demanded an independent probe, citing similar complaints in past operations. ### What is the history of ICE raids in Prince William County? Prince William County has been a focal point for immigration enforcement since 2007, when it adopted one of the nation's first local ordinances requiring police to check immigration status during routine stops. The policy, later modified, led to lawsuits and federal scrutiny. ICE has conducted at least 15 major raids in the area since 2020, detaining over 300 people, according to county records . Tensions peaked in 2019 after a raid at a 7-Eleven netted 21 arrests, sparking protests. Current Sheriff Joshua Comer supports cooperation with ICE but opposed the May 20 tactics as "overreach." ### What oversight is being proposed? Del. Maldonado introduced a resolution in the Virginia House on May 23 urging the state attorney general to investigate ICE's use of force in non-targeted detentions. It seeks data on minor detentions statewide since 2024. The measure has 12 co-sponsors and could reach the floor by June 15 . Prince William County Executive Christopher Stack called for a federal monitor on ICE operations during a May 23 board meeting. ICE has not commented on the proposals. The Virginia Attorney General's office will review Maldonado's complaint by June 1, a spokesperson confirmed. ```