The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil rights investigation into Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, examining whether his office violated federal law by considering immigration consequences in criminal cases. The probe, announced Wednesday, will determine if Descano’s policies resulted in preferential treatment for illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens, potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Safe Streets Act.
Key Facts:
- The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is investigating Descano’s office under multiple federal statutes, including Title VI and the Safe Streets Act.
- The inquiry focuses on a 2020 policy directing prosecutors to consider immigration consequences, such as deportation, when making charging and sentencing decisions.
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated the investigation will assess whether the office engaged in unlawful discrimination or a pattern of misconduct.
Background and Context:
Descano, a progressive prosecutor backed by Democratic megadonor George Soros, has faced criticism for his policies since taking office in 2020. The DOJ’s investigation follows allegations that his office offered lenient plea deals to illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes, including a case involving two defendants convicted of murder.
The probe will also examine whether the office’s policies deprived individuals of constitutional rights under a federal law enforcement misconduct statute. Descano’s office has not publicly commented on the investigation.