Iwo Jima Statue Suspect Is a Mexican National Who Lost DACA Protection in August, Federal Sources Tell Fox

New details have emerged about the man accused of beheading a Marine figure on an Iwo Jima statue near Quantico, Virginia. Fox News reports that federal sources say he is a Mexican national in the country illegally who once held protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. This follows our earlier report on the arrest.

The sources' account. Miguel Alonso Maldonado Soriano, 27, crossed into the U.S. illegally in December 1999, according to the sources. He received DACA in 2014 under the Obama administration, and the Biden administration extended it in 2024. The sources say he lost that status in August 2026 because the Trump administration did not renew it.

The White House response. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Fox: "This criminal illegal alien's dream is over: Maldonado Soriano disrespected our brave service members and defaced a beautiful monument that honored their sacrifice." She added that the president "has secured our border and is deporting illegal criminals who hate our country and our values."

The case so far. Prince William County police say officers responded at about 10:13 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, and found him striking the 9-foot limestone monument with a sledgehammer. One Marine's head was removed entirely, and other figures were gouged. Police estimate repairs will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. He is charged with felony destruction of property, trespass with intent to damage property and felony injury to a monument. He is held without bond, and no court date has been announced.

Note for readers: the immigration history comes from unnamed federal sources, and Fox does not say it has seen the records. The suspect is accused, not convicted, and no motive has been given.