WASHINGTON — The man accused of damaging the Iwo Jima monument at a US military installation has been identified as a Mexican national who entered the country unlawfully as a child during the Obama administration and later received an extension of his legal protection under former President Joe Biden, according to information obtained by The Post.
Miguel Alonso Maldonado Soriano allegedly used a sledgehammer to attack the World War II memorial at Marine Corps Base Quantico. An administration official identified the 27-year-old as a migrant from Mexico who entered the United States illegally in 1999.
A second source familiar with Soriano’s immigration history said he was permitted to remain in the country under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, after receiving protection during the Obama administration in 2014.
The source said Soriano’s DACA protection was renewed in 2024 under Biden before later being revoked during President Trump’s second term.
“This criminal illegal alien’s dream is over: Maldonado Soriano disrespected our brave service members and defaced a beautiful monument that honored their sacrifice,” White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement.
“President Trump has secured our border and is deporting illegal criminals who hate our country and our values. The socialist Democrats want to go back to open borders and flood our communities with dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” Rogers added.
RELATED: Kennedy Family Tragedies Keep the Enduring ‘Curse’ Myth Alive
Authorities in Virginia charged Soriano with felony destruction of property and trespassing with the intent to damage property following Tuesday’s attack on the Iwo Jima statue in Quantico.
Police said the assault severed the head of one of the six servicemen depicted raising the American flag and caused damage estimated at several hundred thousand dollars.
Located about 36 miles south of Washington, DC, the limestone monument was created by sculptor Felix de Weldon in 1954. It honors Marines who have died defending the United States since 1775.
A spokesperson for the Prince William County Adult Detention Center told The Post Friday that Soriano remains in custody without bond.
He has been detained since Oct. 22.
