EdNews Virginia | September 30, 2026
A Salvadoran national, accused of selling fentanyl linked to school overdoses in Loudoun County, is now facing removal from the United States.
Sterling resident Isaac Melendez-Carranza, 31, was arrested by county law enforcement in August for drug-related offenses. Authorities have connected Melendez-Carranza to fentanyl overdoses involving students at Park View High School in May.
Melendez-Carranza is currently being held in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.
According to a news release issued on Tuesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), federal officials have lodged a detainer and warrant of removal. Unlike most other jurisdictions in the region, Loudoun County routinely coordinates with federal immigration authorities under its 287(g) agreement.
“Anyone who comes to this country illegally and then allegedly peddles deadly fentanyl near our children’s schools should expect ICE to come for them,” acting ICE Director David J. Venturella said on Tuesday. “The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office understands that protecting our communities must come before politics. ICE will relentlessly pursue criminal illegal aliens who threaten Americans, take them into custody, and remove them from the United States.”
Local authorities have urged families to warn children of the risks associated with illicit pills or powders — and to call 911 in the event of a suspected overdose to receive prompt medical attention. “Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose,” the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said in August following Melendez-Carranza’s arrest.
In Tuesday’s news release, ICE asked residents to report any suspected crimes via the agency’s online form or by calling 866-347-2423.