House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan Hints at Subpoenas Over Sanctuary Policies

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, signals that subpoenas may be issued if certain county prosecutors, accused of leniency towards illegal immigrants committing crimes, fail to cooperate. Jordan’s committee is probing district attorneys from areas known as ‘sanctuary jurisdictions,’ accused of considering immigration status when pursuing criminal complaints, even when crimes do not pertain to the suspect’s legal status.

‘We may use subpoenas to procure the documents that they might withhold from us. Our approach is procedural. We make requests, reiterate them, explain our reasons, engage their offices and legal counsel. If necessary, subpoenas will be deployed to uncover the facts,’ stated Jordan during an interview with Fox News Digital.

“We will use subpoenas if we have to, but we want to know the facts.” – Jim Jordan

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, who drew criticism following a murder case involving Stephanie Minter, 41, whose suspected killer illegally entered the U.S. in 2012 from Sierra Leone. The Department of Homeland Security reported over 30 arrests for the suspect before Minter’s murder.

Fairfax County District Attorney Descano, serving since January 2020, issued plea bargaining guidance to consider ‘immigration consequences where possible,’ factoring in the collateral ramifications of prosecuting defendants. This approach aligns with the sanctuary jurisdiction status of Fairfax County, where local authorities do not have to cooperate with federal immigration officials.

Rep. Jim Jordan emphasizes the illogical nature of instructing local law enforcement to ignore federal immigration enforcement relationships. He criticizes Descano’s policy of considering immigration status prior to charging decisions, which he believes results in the release of offenders, using Minter’s case as an example.

Descano’s 2019 District Attorney campaign received significant financial support from the Justice and Public Safety PAC, a Political Action Committee linked with George Soros. Due to Fairfax County’s proximity to Washington, D.C., Jordan identifies its sanctuary policies as potential national security risks.

‘This concern likely resonates with Americans who rely on common sense,’ Jordan remarked. Meanwhile, Abdul Jalloh, 32, faces charges in Minter’s murder case at a Virginia bus stop.

Jordan’s inquiry extends beyond Fairfax County, targeting other sanctuary jurisdictions such as New York and Philadelphia, which have similar district attorney leniencies towards illegal immigrants accused of crimes.

Jim Jordan also pointed out other district attorneys including Alvin Bragg of New York and Larry Krasner of Philadelphia who follow similar practices. Fox News Digital solicited comments from Descano’s office regarding these allegations.