ICE Requests Handover of Convicted Molester in Seattle as Congressional Control Shifts

Federal immigration officials have formally requested that Seattle authorities transfer Leomar Alexander Lopez Zambrano into their custody. The detainer was lodged with the Department of Homeland Security, which states that the Venezuelan man is in the United States illegally. Zambrano is currently serving a 15-month sentence and is nearing its completion.

Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced the request on Thursday. He specified that Zambrano was convicted of two counts of child molestation. Mullin accused Washington state officials of refusing to honor the transfer request. Without local cooperation, the Department of Homeland Security stated it would have no way to determine when Zambrano leaves jail.

The dispute follows a broader pattern of friction between the Trump administration and jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This case comes days after the November 3 midterm elections, where Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress. Republican critics are now questioning whether the new legislative majority will embolden sanctuary jurisdictions to resist federal policies further.

Hans von Spakovsky, an immigration expert with Advancing American Freedom, predicted that sanctuary jurisdictions would feel encouraged by the election results. He suggested that Democrats might attempt to impeach immigration enforcement official Tom Homan. Although he expected that effort to fail, von Spakovsky argued it would likely spur further local opposition. He also forecast that congressional Democrats would try to limit immigration enforcement and related prosecutions through the appropriations process.

Dan Bongino, a conservative commentator and podcast host, raised similar concerns regarding Texas. He noted that Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the governor's race. Bongino pointed to her 2017 vote against sanctuary city restrictions as a state legislator, suggesting the election outcome could push the border state toward sanctuary policies.

In response to questions about whether Democratic control of Congress would encourage stronger stances from sanctuary cities, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement. Secretary Mullin pledged to maintain enforcement efforts. He stated, "Deportations will continue." Seattle officials did not respond to requests for comment regarding Zambrano's status.

The next step in the process depends on local cooperation. If Seattle honors the detainer, Zambrano will be transferred directly to federal custody upon his release from state prison. If they refuse, he will be released into the community, and federal agents will need to locate him separately.