In a shocking turn of events, a Guatemalan illegal immigrant accused of killing a police officer has been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Virgilio Aguilar Mendez, 19, was charged with aggravated manslaughter of an officer after a scuffle involving several law enforcement officers in May 2023. St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Kunovich tragically lost his life as a result of the incident, but charges against Mendez were inexplicably dropped last month.
A video shared on TikTok by Mendez’s lawyer, Phillip Arroyo, shows the moment Mendez was released from detention. In the video, Mendez can be seen smiling and nodding, seemingly unaffected by the devastating consequences of his actions. It is deeply concerning that someone accused of such a heinous crime is able to walk free without facing justice.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Kunovich initially approached Aguilar Mendez suspecting him of a crime. However, instead of cooperating with the officer, Mendez chose to walk away. The officer pursued him, and despite Mendez apologizing in English, he continued to resist arrest. Other deputies, including those who spoke Spanish, responded to the scene and attempted to restrain Mendez.
The scuffle between Mendez and the officers was recorded by bodycams, and it is clear that Mendez was not compliant with the officers’ commands. Despite this evidence, Mendez’s defense attorney, Jose Baez, argues that his client was confused and did not understand the officers’ intentions. Baez claims that Mendez’s inability to speak or understand English is a factor that should be taken into consideration.
It is outrageous that Mendez’s language barrier is being used as an excuse for his actions. Law enforcement officers should not be expected to provide interpreters for individuals who refuse to comply with their commands. Furthermore, the fact that Mendez was able to acquire a small pocketknife while in handcuffs raises serious concerns about the officers’ ability to effectively restrain him.
The release of Mendez sends a dangerous message to both law enforcement officers and the public. It undermines the hard work and sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. It also raises questions about the priorities of the Biden administration and its stance on immigration enforcement.
This case highlights the need for stricter immigration policies and stronger border security. It is unacceptable that individuals who enter the country illegally and commit violent crimes are not held accountable for their actions. The safety and wellbeing of American citizens should always be the top priority of our government.
In memory of Sgt. Michael Kunovich, a 25-year veteran of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, we must demand justice and accountability. The dismissal of charges against Virgilio Aguilar Mendez is a slap in the face to law enforcement and a disservice to the memory of an officer who gave his life in the line of duty. It is time for our government to prioritize the safety and security of its own citizens over the interests of illegal immigrants.
