# Virginia County Ignores 1,670 Detainer Requests

> Fairfax County ignored 1,670 immigration detainers over two years, report finds.
- Title: Virginia County Ignores 1,670 Detainer Requests · Fox News
- Summary: Fairfax County ignored 1,670 immigration detainers over two years, report finds. Fairfax County released illegal immigrants instead of transferring them to…
- Keywords: fairfax county, steve descano, immigration detainer, u.s. immigration and customs enforcement, house judiciary committee, sanctuary county, illegal immigrant, criminal charges, public safety, federal custody, news, politics
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/politics/virginia-sanctuary-county-ignores-1670-detainer-requests-2-years-house-judiciary-committee-finds
- Author: Eric Mack
- Published: 2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fairfax county, steve descano, immigration detainer, u.s. immigration and customs enforcement, house judiciary committee, sanctuary county, illegal immigrant, criminal charges, public safety, federal custody, news, politics
## House Judiciary Report Finds
Fairfax County ignored at least 1,670 immigration detainers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement between 2023 and 2025.
## Prosecutor Faces Accusations
Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano accused of treating illegal immigrants differently from American citizens.
## Report Claims Policy Risks
Report says policies allow dangerous foreign nationals to reoffend and avoid deportation.
## Sanctuary Policies Under Scrutiny
Committee says policies will have negative consequences for Americans and may require legislative reforms.
## Prosecutor's Defense
Descano claims policies are written for legal permanent residents in minor crimes.
## Case of Stephanie Minter
Stephanie Minter was fatally stabbed by illegal immigrant with 40+ prior charges.
## Public Safety Concerns
Fairfax County released illegal immigrants despite warnings of future violence.
## Prosecutor's Record Under Review
Report says Descano's office dropped charges against 100+ illegal immigrants in criminal cases.
## County Response
Fairfax County chief of staff called report 'recycled' political talking points.
## Public Safety Impact
Report claims policies threaten public safety and undermine federal immigration law.
## Key takeaway

Fairfax County released illegal immigrants instead of transferring them to federal custody, risking public safety.