Fairfax County Supervisor Advocates for Repeal of Sanctuary Policies

In Fairfax County, Virginia, a growing controversy surrounds the county's sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants, as Supervisor Pat Herrity calls for their repeal. This demand comes in response to Sheriff Stacey Kincaid's commitment to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status. Kincaid has stated that her office will not honor ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, emphasizing that undocumented immigrants retain their rights to due process and equal protection under the law. Herrity criticized Kincaid's stance, labeling it a "cop-out" and asserting that her reliance on the Attorney General's guidance undermines law enforcement efforts. He highlighted that Sheriff’s deputies notify ICE upon arresting individuals in the U.S. illegally and that Kincaid's policies may inadvertently favor undocumented immigrants over U.S. citizens who commit violent crimes. This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding the treatment of violent offenders within the legal system. Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano has also faced scrutiny for his office's refusal to collaborate with ICE on civil immigration enforcement. He argues that this approach is essential for enhancing community safety and maintaining trust within the community. Descano's office evaluates cases individually, considering various factors before proceeding, which has led to criticism from Herrity regarding the perceived leniency towards violent offenders. The debate is further complicated by the Trust Policy, enacted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2021, which restricts police from notifying ICE about arrests of individuals in the country illegally. Herrity, who opposed this policy, argues that it hampers law enforcement's ability to effectively manage public safety and calls for a reassessment of the policies that allow violent criminals to remain in the community.