WASHINGTON (7News) — 7News has obtained the final list of individuals who testified before Congress on May 14, 2026, regarding Fairfax County’s controversial sanctuary policy towards criminal undocumented immigrants.
The House Judiciary Committee has been scrutinizing the policies of Fairfax County officials, Descano and Kincaid, since January. Kincaid has consistently refused to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, even in cases involving violent undocumented immigrants in custody. Meanwhile, Descano’s established policies have focused on considering the broader impact of immigration status when making prosecutorial decisions involving undocumented individuals.
The congressional hearing concerning Fairfax County’s immigration policy came shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into Descano’s decision-making process regarding undocumented immigrants facing charges.
This past Thursday, 7News reporter Nick Minnock spoke with the victim whose case prompted the Justice Department investigation. Stephanie Minter’s mother, Cheryl Minter, filed a formal complaint, asserting that her daughter and other victims’ lives could have been spared if Descano had been stricter with criminal undocumented immigrants.
When asked about her feelings regarding the Justice Department’s inquiry following her complaint, Cheryl expressed deep sorrow and frustration. “The fundamentals are great,” she said, “but to reach this point, I had to lose my daughter. I miss her so much. The pain of not being able to see her hurts profoundly.”
Cheryl’s daughter, a single mother from Spotsylvania County, was tragically killed while waiting at a bus stop in Fairfax County. Abdul Jallow has been charged with her murder. Known to law enforcement, he has a criminal record including over 30 serious arrests and is infamous to Fairfax police, having been encountered more than 100 times for various offenses. In many states, his charges of malicious wounding would be considered attempted murder.
7News previously reported that police had informed the Fairfax County Prosecutor’s Office on three separate occasions in writing about the potential danger Jallow posed if released back into the community. Despite these warnings, nearly all charges against Jallow were dismissed by Descano’s office, ultimately leading to his release prior to the murder of Stephanie.
Descano’s online statements have emphasized his commitment to ensuring prosecutions focus on avoiding immigration consequences whenever feasible. Cheryl has criticized this approach, saying, “This is preferential treatment. Any American citizen who commits the same crime would face substantial incarceration without chances for reduced sentencing.”
The sanctuary policy was subsequently removed from Descano’s office website following media scrutiny and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon’s assertion that it was illegal. This week, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also announced that it would investigate this particular policy.
In light of the investigation, Descano defended his policies as equitable and aligned with community values. A spokesperson maintained that the office’s protocols aim to uphold public safety and demand accountability for criminal actions.
Cheryl Minter remains adamant about the need for change, stating, “I think he needs to go. How can this system be just? I fail to see how his actions truly support the community.” The case of Stephanie Minter highlights broader concerns regarding Descano’s leniency towards undocumented immigrants in the judicial process. Cheryl’s experience captured the attention of the Victims Rights Reform Council, prompting them to assist her in filing her complaint with the Department of Justice.
