BREAKING NEWS
4:30 p.m.
In a letter to Sheriff Glen Hill, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement representative Gary Mead told the Prince William County law enforcement official the 287g program is being phased out in favor of more efficient means of indentifying illegal immigrants inside the U.S.
You can see copy of the letter by clicking here. A copy was also sent to Colonel Pete Meletis, superintendent of the Prince William County Adult Detention Center.
 3:40 p.m.
A controversial agreement between federal officials and the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office is under review.
Sheriff Glen Hill was notified by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Department an agreement between the two agencies that allows trained sheriff’s deputies to check the legal status of all persons charged with crimes in Prince William County will be extended until the end of the year.
In exchange for the training, the original agreement stipulated the data collected would be shared with customs officials, said Hill.
The program known as 287g will be evaluated by federal officials through Dec. 31. Afterward, Hill will learn if federal officials will decide to continue the 287g program with his department. Hill said he does not know what federal officials will review and has little details on the evaluation process.
A statement from Prince William County Board of Supervisor Corey Stewart on Tuesday afternoon blamed the Obama administration, saying the White House chose to completely end funding for the 287g program after 2012.
3:10 p.m.Â
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — A controversial program that helps law enforcement in Prince William County identify illegal immigrants will not be renewed.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart announced the program known as 287g with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which allows the sheriff’s office to determine the legal presence of those jailed and charged with other criminal offenses, will come to an end in Prince William this year.
Stewart said the Obama Administration decided not to renew federal funding for the program, and  that county officials were notified last week.
The 297g program became controversial in 2007 when the Prince William County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution allowing law enforcement officers to check the legal presence of anyone on the street. That rule was later determined to be too costly to enforce, and now legal presence is checked at a courthouse in Manassas after someone has been charged with a crime.
Officials in Prince William field a lawsuit against immigration and customs enforcement in an effort to see the data collected from arrestees that was later turned over federal authorities. The lawsuit is still pending.
Supporters of the program said 287g took violent criminals off streets. Opponents of the program said local governments should not be able to check immigration status, and they feared the program would deter crime victims from talking with police.
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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.
