Press Releases

A number of communities and localities in Virginia’s Ninth District are reported to be considered “sanctuary jurisdictions” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In light of this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Ninth District law enforcement organizations and localities are very cooperative with the federal government in the handling and detainment of illegal aliens.

“It is a surprising development to see some of our localities listed as ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ by DHS. My office has been in contact with our liaisons in the federal government for an explanation and solution. As of now, we do not have a definitive answer. However, it appears that there may be some paperwork anomalies related to federal detainers, particularly at some regional jails. 

“I will continue to monitor the situation and hope I will have specific answers within the next week.”

BACKGROUND

A detainer is a legal document that asks a community or law enforcement organization, like a jail, to detain a prisoner or illegal alien until the federal government can pick them up.

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