EPA Press Office:

EPA and Virginia Agriculture Forge First-Ever Memorandum of Understanding

Agreement highlights joint effort to deliver environmental and socioeconomic benefits to Virginia communities

PHILADELPHIA (October 6, 2025) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced the first-ever signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and expand their collaborative activities related to agricultural practices that benefit the environment, regulatory and compliance programs, outreach, training, communication, and education. 

 

 “Establishing a strong relationship with our state regulators is a win for all farmers and ranchers. This MOU lays the groundwork to ensure farmers have a seat at the table when it comes to protecting our environment and Powering the Great American Comeback,” said EPA’s Senior Advisor for Agricultural and Rural Affairs Turner Bridgforth. 

 

 “This marks a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the Commonwealth to protect Virginia’s environment and help its agricultural economy thrive,” said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “I look forward to strengthening our collaboration under this agreement.” 

 

The five-year agreement emphasizes a shared commitment between EPA and VDACS to well-managed, sustainable farms that produce food for local communities and a clean environment for everyone to enjoy.  

 

"We are happy to partner with the EPA to develop solutions for environmental protection and to keep Virginia agriculture productive," said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “By entering into this agreement with the EPA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reaffirming our commitment to Virginia farmers and agribusinesses by working together to strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural community." 

 

Today, the Virginia Farm Bureau (VFB) hosted EPA and VDACS for a roundtable discussion with Virginia agriculture and forestry industry leaders and stakeholders at their offices in Richmond.  

 “Virginia Farm Bureau appreciates EPA seeking farmers’ and foresters’ perspectives when it comes to requirements impacting the No. 1 industry in the commonwealth,” said VFB President Scott Sink. “It is important for farmers and foresters to have their questions answered, their input considered, and the door opened for future dialogue.” 

Photo Gallery from the event can be found on EPA Region 3 Flickr Account.

 

About the Memorandum of Understanding 

The MOU outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and VDACS: 

• Increase state-federal collaboration by participating in organized meetings, sharing updates, and communicating about program activities.  

• Encourage honest and recurring discussions between EPA and the agriculture community by participating in roundtables, farm tours, and events. 

• Recognize, measure, and promote environmental stewardship by documenting and sharing agriculture best practices and case studies with farmers. 

• Enhance regulatory compliance and improve water quality by participating in joint trainings and program assessments and refining communications on compliance and enforcement activities. 

EPA and VDACS will produce an annual report to highlight collective achievements realized under the MOU and to outline plans for the coming year. 

 

About EPA  

EPA’s Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OARA) serves as the primary liaison between rural and agricultural stakeholders and the agency. OARA works closely with EPA Region 3 to forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment while ensuring a vibrant and productive agricultural system. 

 

EPA Region 3 serves Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and seven federally recognized Tribes. The agency is currently updating similar agreements with other states in Region 3.  

 

Follow EPA Region 3 on Instagram, X and Facebook. 

 

About VDACS  

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond, Va. and has several field offices, four regional animal health laboratories, and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally. 

 

Follow VDACS on Instagram, X, and Facebook. For more information about VDACS, visit https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/index.shtml.  

For further information: Contact Information Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (Michael.Wallace@vdacs.virginia.gov)

As ICE Law Enforcement Works Without Pay, They Arrest More Worst of the Worst Over the Weekend

 News Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

As ICE Law Enforcement Works Without Pay, They Arrest More Worst of the Worst Over the Weekend

WASHINGTON — While Americans across the country enjoyed their weekends, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and our Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers continued to arrest the worst of the worst without pay. Some of the worst of the worst arrested included vicious child sexual predators, gang members, drug traffickers, robbers, rapists, and reckless drunk drivers.   “While Americans enjoyed their weekends, DHS law enforcement officers continued to arrest and remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens including violent child predators, gang members, drug traffickers, robbers, rapists, and reckless drunk drivers,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Our officers continue to risk their lives and work without pay because of the Democrats’ government shutdown. We will not let political games or violence against law enforcement slow us down from making American safe again.” Worst of the worst arrests over the weekend include: Bonifacio Mendez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for dealing child pornography, in New Castle County, Delaware. Fiacro Huerta-Tobon, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of indecency with child contact, in Dallas County, Texas. Pedro Castro-Castro, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for burglary, shoplifting, rape, and incest with a minor in Alabama. Kosal Chea, a criminal illegal alien from Cambodia, convicted for three counts of sexual assault inflicting bodily injury or victim is less than 16, offender three years older (felony), in Sanders County, Montana. Nicolas Ortiz-Zenteno, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for course of sexual conduct against a child, in Bronx, New York.   Angel Antonio Vasquez, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and confirmed MS-13 gang member, convicted for burglary and rape, in Santa Monica, California. Ramon Venzor-Villa, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for smuggling of persons, in El Paso County, Texas. Angel Avalos-Rodriguez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who has five prior removals, convicted of felony forgery, felon in possession of a firearm, domestic violence, criminal mischief, and multiple illegal entries across Texas, California, and Oregon. Sammy Rey-Justiniano, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon and operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor, in Camden County, New Jersey. Thiago Dos Santos, a criminal illegal alien from Brazil, convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, in Lynn, Massachusetts. Jorge Avilez-Lara, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, convicted of alien smuggling, in Del Rio, Texas. Oscar Paz-Velasquez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, convicted of unlawful carrying of a weapon, in Bexar County, Texas. Miguel Gomez-Riios, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of force/assault deadly weapon not firearm, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Nan-Su Hoang, a criminal illegal alien from Vietnam, convicted of burglary, in Pasadena, California. Omar Garcia-Pineda, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for attempted trafficking of opium by possession, in Gaston County, North Carolina.

# # #

CBP Reports that Drug Seizures Surge Again in August

 News Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

CBP Reports that Drug Seizures Surge Again in August President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership has consistently led to more drugs being taken off American streets

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security reported a significant uptick in drug seizures in August compared to previous months, demonstrating the Trump Administration’s success in combatting drug trafficking across our borders and keeping deadly drugs out of American communities. "Secretary Noem and the Department of Homeland Security are fulfilling President Trump’s promise to make America safe again by dismantling drug cartels and stopping the flow of deadly drugs into American communities,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to President Trump, fewer American families will be torn apart by addiction, fewer lives will be lost to overdoses, and fewer profits will go to violent cartels.” As part of its mission to stop harmful drugs from entering the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that seizures of deadly drugs – including fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana – increased substantially from July to August. This includes a 37% increase in methamphetamine seizures and amounts to just over 55,000 pounds of drugs seized in August. August saw the third-highest monthly total of drug seizures under the second Trump Administration. Likewise, since President Trump took office, fentanyl trafficking at the southern border is down by 56% compared to the same period in 2024. Cartels are increasingly desperate to keep doing business, but the Trump Administration is stopping their deadly operations

# # #

Four Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested After Conducting Laser Strikes on Helicopters in Portland

 News Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

Four Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested After Conducting Laser Strikes on Helicopters in Portland  Two of the criminal illegal alien suspects have prior arrests, including possession of methamphetamine

WASHINGTON — Today, in Portland, Oregon, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrests of four criminal illegal aliens who conducted laser strikes on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter in an attempt to temporarily blind the pilot’s ability to see. This was incredibly dangerous for the aircraft personnel and for the public’s safety.     Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal crime, and during the investigation, it was determined the laser came from a nearby residence. A search warrant conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), found four criminal illegal aliens occupying the residence where the laser originated.     “These four illegal aliens endangered the lives of our CBP personnel, the safety of every other aircraft in flight during the time AND put everyone on the ground in immediate danger. DHS law enforcement is facing a 1,000% increase in attacks against them,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This strike happened just days after the terrorist attack on an ICE facility in Dallas and as rioters were arrested with guns outside a Broadview, Illinois, ICE facility with weapons. Secretary Noem has been clear: if you lay a hand on law enforcement you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”    The following criminal illegal aliens were taken into custody:        Diogenes Albores-Suchiapa, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, previously arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine and criminal trespass in the 2nd degree in Gresham, Oregon. He was also previously arrested by CBP three times for immigration violations.        Andres Brian Lopez-Labra, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, previously arrested by CBP for unlawful entry and recently arrested by Oregon State Police for DUI.        Benito Zamora-Alvarez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, who claims to have been in the United States illegally since October 1994.           Hector Miranda Mendoza, an illegal alien from Mexico.

# # #

DHS Debunks New York Times False Reporting: DHS Does NOT Deport U.S. Citizens

 News Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

DHS Debunks New York Times False Reporting: DHS Does NOT Deport U.S. Citizens    Make no mistake, if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today sets the record straight, again, about the New York Times false and misleading report alleging DHS is targeting U.S. citizens during targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.       “We have said it a million times: ICE does NOT arrest or deport U.S. citizens. One week after the terrorist attack targeting ICE in Dallas, the media is once again shamefully peddling a false narrative, attempting to demonize our DHS law enforcement agents, who are already facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Any U.S. citizens arrested are because of obstructing or assaulting law enforcement.”     The following are some of the FALSE claims made in the New York Times article and the facts from DHS:     FALSE CLAIM: DHS roams the streets, courthouses, and workplaces demanding proof of citizenship from residents.     THE FACTS: DHS enforcement operations are highly targeted and are not resulting in the arrest of U.S. citizens. We do our due diligence. We know who we are targeting ahead of time. If and when we do encounter individuals subject to arrest, our law enforcement is trained to ask a series of well-determined questions to determine status and removability. ICE does not arrest or detain U.S. citizens.    FALSE CLAIM: Detainees are being held in immigration facilities overnight without access to a lawyer or even a phone call.     THE FACTS: Any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are false. In fact, ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members.    FALSE CLAIM: Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio was innocently detained during a traffic stop.     THE FACTS: On May 2, 2025, several adult male illegal aliens from Guatemala were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents responding to a request for assistance from Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers conducting a vehicle stop near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach, FL. During the encounter, Kenny Laynez who was part of a group of illegal aliens that resisted arrest during a traffic stop.    FALSE CLAIM: Jason Brian Gavidia was innocently arrested during an immigration enforcement operation.     THE FACTS: Gavidia was arrested for assaulting a law enforcement officer and interfering with agents performing their duties.     FALSE CLAIM: Javier Ramirez was driven around for hours and did not speak to a lawyer or any family member for three days.     THE FACTS: Javier Ramirez was detained on the street for investigation for interference and released after being confirmed to be a U.S. citizen with no outstanding warrants.    FALSE CLAIM: George Retes was wrongly arrested and held by ICE.    THE FACTS: As U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ICE agents were executing criminal search warrants on July 10 at the marijuana sites in Camarillo, CA, George Retes—a U.S. citizen—became violent and refused to comply with law enforcement. He challenged agents and blocked their route by refusing to move his vehicle out of the road. CBP arrested Retes for assault.    FALSE CLAIM: Leonardo Garcia Venegas was wrongfully detained for hours.     THE FACTS: During a targeted worksite operation, Garcia Venegas attempted to obstruct and prevent the lawful arrest of an illegal alien. He physically got in between agents and the subject they were attempting to arrest and refused to comply with numerous verbal commands. Anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties, including U.S. citizens, will of course face consequences which include arrest.

# # #