A House Judiciary Committee report says Fairfax County released criminal illegal immigrants instead of transferring them to ICE, ignoring at least 1,670 detainers between 2023 and 2025.
More than 1,100 criminal cases reviewed by committee staff allegedly showed over 100 previously unreported illegal immigrants benefited from charge reductions or dismissals by Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano to limit immigration consequences.
The report cites cases involving violent and repeat offenders, including alleged MS-13 member Marvin Morales-Ortez, who was released in December 2025 and accused of murder a day later, and Abdul Jalloh, charged in Stephanie Minter’s February killing after more than 40 prior charges.
Cheryl Minter is now seeking Descano’s removal, while the committee says Fairfax’s sanctuary-style policies endangered public safety and could spur legislative reforms; Descano denies favoring illegal immigrants.