Overview
- Federal civil rights officials opened an investigation Wednesday into Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano over claims his office favored undocumented defendants in criminal cases.
- The review centers on a 2020 directive that told prosecutors to consider immigration consequences, including possible deportation, when making charging and plea decisions.
- The Civil Rights Division, led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, is proceeding under Title VI, the Safe Streets Act, and 34 U.S.C. § 12601.
- The department said it is in the early stages, has reached no findings, and is seeking tips through civilrights.justice.gov.
- Descano denied wrongdoing and faces a House hearing next week as critics cite recent violent cases to argue his policies put the public at risk.