DOJ investigating woke, Soros-backed Virginia DA over ‘sweetheart’ deals given to illegal migrants – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Fairfax County, Virginia – The U.S. Department of Justice notified the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office this week of a civil rights investigation into its handling of criminal cases involving undocumented immigrants. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced the probe, which targets policies adopted after Steve Descano took office in 2019.[1][2] Federal officials expressed concern that considering immigration consequences in charging, plea bargaining, and sentencing decisions may discriminate against U.S. citizens.
Details of the Federal Investigation
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division opened the inquiry on May 6, 2026, citing a December 2020 policy from Descano’s office. That guidance directed prosecutors to weigh potential deportation and other immigration impacts when deciding charges and pleas.[2] Dhillon authorized a full review to determine if the office violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Safe Streets Act, both of which bar discrimination based on national origin in federally funded programs.[3]
“Under my leadership, the Civil Rights Division will not allow local prosecutors to pick and choose winners based on their immigration status,” Dhillon stated.[1] She added that the probe would examine whether the office engaged in a pattern of misconduct depriving individuals of constitutional rights. The division’s Special Litigation and Federal Coordination sections will lead the effort and soon contact Descano’s team to discuss scope and data requests.
Policies and Political Backing
Descano, a Democrat elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023, campaigned on reforms including sensitivity to immigration outcomes. His campaign website once featured a now-deleted statement: “If two people commit the same crime, but only one’s punishment includes deportation, that’s a perversion of justice and not a reflection of the values of Fairfax County.”[1] Public records show his campaigns received over $600,000 from the Justice & Public Safety PAC, funded by George Soros, along with contributions from allied groups.[4][5]
Critics argue these policies create a two-tiered justice system. The DOJ letter highlighted how the 2020 policy explicitly required prosecutors to “consider immigration consequences where possible.”[2] Descano’s approach has drawn Republican fire, including a summons to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on May 14 regarding sanctuary policies in Fairfax County.[3]
Key Elements Under Review:
- Plea bargaining practices
- Charging decisions
- Sentencing recommendations
- Potential pattern of discrimination based on citizenship or national origin
Cases Raising Eyebrows
Several high-profile incidents have intensified scrutiny. In April 2026, Descano’s office secured five-year sentences for Maldin Anibal Guzman and Wis Alonso Sorto-Portillo, both undocumented, after they pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2024 beating death of Nicacio Hernandez Gonzalez at an Oakton park. The deal suspended 20 years of a 25-year term.[1][6]
Another case involves Abdul Jalloh, a Sierra Leone national illegally in the U.S. Despite police warnings as early as 2025 about his risk of reoffending, Descano’s prosecutors dropped over a dozen charges including rape and assault. Jalloh later faced murder charges in the February stabbing death of Stephanie Minter at a Fairfax bus stop.[3][5] A similar pattern emerged with Denis Humberto Navarette Romero, who received a misdemeanor plea for assaulting a police officer in 2022 before allegedly committing a rape.[5]
Responses and Path Forward
Descano acknowledged the DOJ notice, defending his approach. “My policies are fair, legal, and reflect the values of my community,” he said in a statement. His office described Fairfax as one of the safest large jurisdictions in the country and expressed willingness to cooperate.[1]
The investigation remains in early stages, with no findings yet. Cooperation could resolve issues without litigation, per DOJ experience with other agencies. As congressional hearings loom, the probe underscores tensions over local prosecution amid national immigration debates.
The outcome may set precedents for how immigration status factors into justice nationwide.
