Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov reversed course Wednesday night after condemning a federal arrest on the National Mall — only to learn the suspect was wanted for the aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13.
The incident began with a viral video shared by NBC reporter Aimee Cho, showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and D.C. police detaining a man in broad daylight. Tarlov echoed criticism of the arrest, calling the footage “disturbing.”
But hours later, a Department of Homeland Security memo identified the suspect as 36-year-old David Perez-Teofani, who is facing serious charges involving a minor. The new information prompted Tarlov to delete her post.
BREAKING: In a MANIC fit, Jessica Tarlov just DELETED the post where she was defending an illegal alien CHILD ABUSER! We can’t let her memory hole this! SHARE THIS FAR AND WIDE, let @JessicaTarlov know that we NEVER FORGET! https://t.co/1vHE9wSMAJ pic.twitter.com/qwAskfvnYn
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) August 20, 2025
Her quick pivot highlights the risk of reacting before facts are known — especially amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which resumed ICE operations in Washington, D.C.
In June, ICE raised its daily arrest target from 1,000 to 3,000 following a directive from senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller. The move signals a return to broader interior enforcement, targeting both fugitives with criminal records and recent border crossers. The public arrest of Perez-Teofani, carried out in coordination with local police, illustrates that policy in action.
Tarlov’s response also underscores the influence of confirmation bias in online discourse, where narratives often take shape before facts surface.
This illegal alien from Mexico was previously arrested in January 2024 in Fairfax County for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13. He entered and had a final order of removal and chose to voluntary return- twice. Illegally entered 3 times. Thank you to law enforcement…
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 20, 2025
This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.
READ NEXT: Shock Ruling: Top Trump Ally Has No Right To Office
