PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — A program that investigates the legal status of arrested illegal immigrants in Prince William County will remain in place at least through June.
The jurisdiction is the only one in the U.S. to keep the 287 (g) program following efforts to cut the program in October, said Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey A. Stewart (At-Large).
The program uses trained jail personnel at the county’s Adult Detention Center in Manassas to investigate the immigration status of illegal aliens charged with crimes. The U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which administers the program, looked to scale back the 287 (g) program in October.
Officials in a letter told Prince William County Sheriff Glen Hill the program would be placed under review until Dec. 31. With this latest decision, the trained staff will continue to work on the program and be funded by Prince William taxpayers while working under the direction of federal customs enforcement.
“This is perhaps the most successful 287 (g) program in the country. We’ve got a stellar record,” said Stewart.
Stewart took a hard line against illegal immigrants after being elected to the Board in 2007 and said the 287 (g) has been popular with county residents across racial and ethnic lines, and with police officers because it targets illegal immigrants who and have previously committed crimes. Overall, the county has turned over 5,500 illegal immigrants who have been arrested in Prince William to customs officials since the program’s implementation, added Stewart.
Police officers in Prince William County have a separate policy when it comes to illegal immigrants, where they are permitted to inquire about the legal status of anyone arrested.
In the coming months, The Board of County Supervisors will be tasked to find a permanent replacement for the long-serving Police Chief Charlie T. Deane who retired last fall.
“Any police chief should see this as tool to fighting crime, and when we hire a new police chief we will make sure that individual is fully supportive our efforts of 287 (g), and the current police program in place,” said Stewart.
Several applicants have been interviewed for the police chief position by a routine interview panel – the names of the members of the panel were leaked to the press in October.
A list of potential police chief candidates will be presented next to the Board of Supervisors – the governing body that will make the final hiring decision.
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Icy Conditions Possible Wednesday Night – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Prince William County from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday, with freezing rain and sleet expected. VDOT crews are treating roads, but travel may be hazardous. Limit travel, prepare for icy spots, and stay updated on changing conditions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
For the first time, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for an exclusive interview with Potomac Local News as she begins her second term. In a candid conversation, she addressed the city’s stance on immigration enforcement, the future of development in downtown Manassas, the impact of potential state and federal funding cuts, and her vision for the next four years.
What’s next for Manassas? Will taxes go up? How will the city navigate potential financial challenges? And what’s her take on the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass project?
Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
The Northern Virginia real estate market is shifting, with demand growing in Prince William, Stafford, Manassas, and Fredericksburg, outpacing Fairfax County. Mark Worrilow, a real estate expert with Fathom Realty, attributes this to affordability, improved commuting options, and enhanced quality of life. Homebuyers find better value in these areas without sacrificing convenience. Inventory is rising, offering more options for buyers, though competition remains strong. Interest rates have stabilized, leading more buyers to enter the market. Worrilow emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced realtor to navigate these trends and make informed real estate decisions in this evolving market.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
