The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia reportedly ignored 1,670 immigration detainers between 2023 and 2025. This controversial action allowed criminal illegal immigrants to remain in the community rather than be transferred to federal custody, as outlined by a recent House Judiciary Committee report.
The interim staff report, accessed by Fox News before its release, points fingers at Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano. He is accused of offering preferential treatment to illegal immigrant defendants compared to American citizens, potentially reducing their immigration consequences.
The report highlights how a local jurisdiction permits dangerous foreign nationals to reoffend and evade deportation.
According to committee chairs Jim Jordan of Ohio and Tom McClintock of California, Fairfax County and its prosecutor reflect the policies of a modern Democrat Party. The ideology allegedly aims to prioritize illegal alien criminals over law-abiding citizens, resulting in negative consequences for Americans.
The interim report reveals that over 100 illegal immigrants involved in over 1,100 criminal cases benefited from Descano’s prosecutorial decisions. Descano allegedly avoided pursuing serious charges against illegal immigrants for crimes such as DUI, felony drug possession, and assault on law enforcement officers. The committee claims these choices led to reoffending, with some cases escalating to violent crimes, including murder.
The report titled Fairfax County, Virginia: The dangerous consequences of sanctuary policies
further suggests Descano misled Congress about his policies’ scope. During past testimony, Descano asserted his policies aimed to protect legal permanent residents but acknowledged potential consideration of immigration consequences for illegal immigrants later.
Charges such as felony sexual assault of a child were reportedly reduced, and sentences for misdemeanors were offered. In another case, charges against a serial fraudster from China were allegedly dropped.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid accounted for some releases due to prosecution issues. She argued that effective prosecution would aid in monitoring and tracking defendants.
The committee presented specific cases, including Marvin Morales-Ortez’s release from custody despite ICE detainers. Morales-Ortez allegedly committed murder the following day.
Descano’s alleged decision-making has sparked efforts to recall him, led by community members like Cheryl Minter. Minter argues such policies put innocent lives at risk and cites her daughter’s murder in defense of her stance.
The report concludes that Fairfax County’s policies risk public safety and hinder federal immigration law enforcement. Descano, however, dismisses these allegations, asserting that his office does not favor any group.
Eric Mack reports on breaking news related to politics, elections, and government affairs.