DOJ opens civil rights investigation into Fairfax County prosecutor over alleged preferential treatment in cases involving immigrants

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced a formal investigation into Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano on Wednesday, alleging his office gave preferential treatment to illegal immigrants in criminal cases by considering immigration consequences in charging decisions, pleas, and sentencing. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon authorized the inquiry under Title VI and the Safe Streets Act, which prohibit discrimination by federal funding recipients. Descano has served as the county's top prosecutor since 2020 and campaigned as a progressive reform prosecutor.