News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement logo (via Facebook)

Welcome to Friday, arguably the best day of the week in Alexandria.

With a weekend of limitless possibilities ahead, here’s a recap of the last few days in the Port City.

Our top story this week was on ICE announcing the arrest of a 40-year-old Salvadoran woman in Alexandria on Feb. 25. Silvia Lorana Bonilla-De Jandres was arrested as part of an investigation by the Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. She was arrested the same day a 41-year-old Salvadoran woman was also arrested by ICE in Alexandria.

ICE did not say where Bonilla-De Jandres was arrested or list her current status.

Our number-two story this week can serve as a reminder to hold onto your valuables. The Alexandria Police Department is looking for multiple suspects who allegedly stole debit and credit cards from a woman’s wallet in an Old Town coffee shop across the street from the Alexandria courthouse. The suspects allegedly charged thousands of dollars on the victim’s credit card.

Bearing all this crime in mind, this week ALXnow sat down with Police Chief Tarrick McGuire to talk about APD’s strategy to reduce crime. McGuire started in his role last November, and on Tuesday night (April 8) he gave City Council an update on his 100-Day Action Plan and more.

McGuire is also evaluating a department restructuring and creating a five-year public safety plan.

“I think it would be foolish to say that any leader will come into the organization and not change some things,” he told ALXnow. “I do project that we will make some organizational changes to succeed and have operational efficiency.”

Important Crime and Public Safety Stories

In politics and city government news, this week Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger rallied in Old Town. At the event, Spanberger received endorsements from Moms Demand Action and Alexandria Sheriff Sean Casey. She said that Virginia needs a comprehensive approach to gun safety that includes enhanced background checks, support for mental health services, and community-based violence intervention programs.

“This isn’t about taking away anyone’s rights,” Spanberger said. “It’s about responsible governance that protects all Virginians while respecting our constitutional freedoms.”

The most-read stories this week were:

  1. ICE announces February arrest of Salvadoran woman in Alexandria (7246 views)
  2. Suspects spend thousands after stealing credit cards from purse in coffee shop near Alexandria courthouse (6850 views)
  3. Cyclist critically injured on Eisenhower Avenue, prompting road closure (4347 views)
  4. Senator Warner sounds alarm on National Security firings, trade war impacts during media call (4098 views)
  5. Alexandria station ranks second busiest in Southeast Amtrak Network (2517 views)
  6. Alexandria’s Office of Climate Action gets gutted in budget proposal (2164 views)
  7. Weather Alert – Freeze Warning: Alexandria will experience sub-freezing temperatures tonight (1889 views)

Have a safe weekend!

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.