DOJ Launches Civil Rights Probe into Soros-Backed Prosecutor Steve Descano Over Illegal Immigrant Deals

The Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into Fairfax County, Virginia, Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano over allegations that his office violated federal law by considering immigration consequences in charging decisions and plea deals.

Descano, who received $627,653 from the Soros family's Justice and Public Safety PAC to win office, dismissed the probe as one of President Donald Trump's partisan attacks. His spokeswoman, Laura Birnbaum, said in a statement that the investigation represents the Trump administration's pattern of misusing the Justice Department. She added that the DOJ's letter announcing the probe distorts the office's policy, which has been public for more than five years and came just a week before Descano's scheduled congressional testimony.

The Victim Rights Reform Council requested the investigation on behalf of Cheryl Minter, whose daughter Stephanie was fatally stabbed at a bus stop earlier this year by Abdul Jalloh, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone. Jennifer Harrison, head of the council, wrote on X that the probe has nothing to do with Trump and accused Descano of hoping for Soros funding. She noted that she filed the complaint for Minter and said Descano's policies contributed to Stephanie's death.

Harrison called Minter an amazing, brave woman and said the group cannot bring Stephanie back but will work to prevent similar incidents. A Department of Homeland Security press release after the killing stated that Descano's office had been warned about Jalloh's danger to the public.

Descano is set to testify Thursday before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. The hearing, titled 'Fairfax County, Virginia: The Dangerous Consequences of Sanctuary Policies,' will also feature testimony from County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, and Virginians for Safe Communities President Sean Kennedy.

Birnbaum said the office's policies are fair, legal and reflect Fairfax County values. She added that Descano's office will not be distracted from keeping the community safe and holding criminals accountable.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the probe will examine Descano's plea bargaining, charging decisions and sentencing policies. "Under my leadership, the Civil Rights Division will not allow local prosecutors to pick and choose winners based on their immigration status," Dhillon said. She added that the investigation will determine whether Descano puts the community at risk with favorable deals to illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes.