House Judiciary Committee Chairman Warns of Potential Subpoenas in Sanctuary Jurisdiction Investigation

Subpoenas May Be Used in Investigation

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is considering subpoenas for county prosecutors accused of leniency towards illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities. His committee is investigating district attorneys in ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ who reportedly factor immigration status into criminal proceedings.

“If necessary, we’ll use subpoenas to obtain documents they might be withholding,” Jordan stated. “There is a structured process where we request information, reiterate our requests, elucidate our reasons, and engage with their offices and counsel. Subpoenas are an option if needed to uncover facts.”

Focus on Fairfax County’s DA Steve Descano

Jordan expressed particular concern over Fairfax County, Virginia, DA Steve Descano’s approach. Descano’s practices came under scrutiny after the stabbing death of Stephanie Minter, whose alleged assailant entered the U.S. illegally from Sierra Leone. The suspect had over 30 prior arrests.

In 2020, Descano’s office issued guidance instructing prosecutors to consider immigration ramifications in plea bargaining according to WTOP News. Fairfax County is designated as a sanctuary jurisdiction, indicating non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Suburban Sanctuary Policies Raise National Security Concerns

Rep. Jim Jordan criticized policies like Fairfax’s, which prevent local and federal law enforcement collaboration on immigration-related cases. He highlighted Descano’s approach of releasing individuals based on immigration status as problematic.

“It’s concerning that local law enforcement is instructed not to work with federal authorities on federal law enforcement,” Jordan remarked. “Such policies contribute to releasing offenders, leading to adverse outcomes.”

Fairfax County’s nearness to Washington, D.C., heightens the danger of sanctuary policies regarding national security.

Broader Investigation into Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Jordan’s committee is examining other jurisdictions with similar policies, including those led by Alvin Bragg in New York and Larry Krasner in Philadelphia.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covered the House of Representatives extensively, with prior contributions to Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and share tips at [email protected].