Lateef addressed attendees at a town hall meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2024, at Battlefield High School near Haymarket, vowing to resist federal pressure to close the school division’s DEI office. His remarks were met with a standing ovation.
“Tomorrow, [President Trump] has said that any school division that doesn’t close their DEI office, we’ll cut federal funding. Well folks, tomorrow we will proceed as usual and I’ll see him in court. He’s coming after our immigrant kids. You’re sitting in the 10th most diverse county in all of America. So when you come after our children on ICE raids, we will see you in court.”
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(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump voiced his support for repealing the District of Columbia’s Home Rule Act, citing crime, homelessness and “graffiti.”
The president framed the order as a defense of women's athletics against unfair competition, stating, "Under the Trump administration, we will defend the proud tradition of female athletes, and we will not allow men to beat up, injure, and cheat our women and our girls. From now on, women’s sports will only be for women."
Merianne Jensen and her two daughters, Prince William County Public Schools students, attended the ceremony. Jensen emphasized the importance of the executive order, saying, "Being the mother of two daughters, their safety is the most important thing, and it’s important they are not put in physical danger playing against a male in sports."
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Amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump’s executive orders, local communities are grappling with confusion and fear sparked by social media posts warning of ICE raids and undercover operations.
The president issued numerous Executive Orders, some of which reinforced the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. In addition to targeted raids on known criminals across the country, the Trump administration has mobilized troops at the U.S.-Mexico border and reinstated the previous “Remain in Mexico” policy. This policy requires individuals seeking asylum to stay outside the U.S. while awaiting a decision on their applications.
These enforcement measures have sparked concern among those residing in the country illegally. Despite the Trump administration’s assurances that it is focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, certain groups have seized on the uncertainty, pushing political agendas that confuse the undocumented community, causing fear and confusion. Numerous social media posts, in both English and Spanish, warn people to avoid common locations like grocery stores and shopping centers to prevent encounters with ICE.
Meg Carroll, a retired Manassas City Police Lieutenant and current manager of the Georgetown South Community Council Foundation posted a photo online of a Jeep with standard Virginia plates leaving the Georgetown South neighborhood in Manassas. In the post, she claimed, in both English and Spanish, “I can confirm that ICE is in the area traveling in unmarked cars with all windows blacked out,” seemingly using her law enforcement background to lend credibility to her assertion that ICE officers were operating undercover in the area. Carroll did not respond to a request for comment before publication.
Aeshah Sheikh, chief of staff for Virginia Senator Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37 Fairfax), and wife of Raheel Sheikh, the current Occoquan Planning Commissioner and former Democratic Party candidate for the Coles District Board of County Supervisors, also shared an alert claiming ICE presence in Manassas. When asked what the post aimed to achieve, Sheikh did not respond to requests for clarification.
These are just two of many social media posts we reviewed—some from individuals trying to inform the community, but most contributing to unnecessary panic with exaggerated claims.
Community leaders are calling for calm.
Prince William County’s Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fear-mongering, particularly by groups and individuals claiming to represent the Hispanic community. She said in an emailed statement, “They are promoting false narratives about ‘raids’ targeting churches and schools in our county, despite there being no evidence to support these claims.”
Manassas City Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna, a legal immigrant from El Salvador, shared that she had encountered similar posts urging people to avoid certain areas and warning about ICE vehicles using plate readers to identify undocumented individuals.
Vasquez Luna explained that these claims play on the fear that people in the country illegally must disclose personal information, like their birthplace and current address when registering their vehicles. Those critical of the activist groups say they manipulate these fears to push a narrative that frightens the very people they claim to help. While she understands why immigrants would have these fears, Vasquez Luna advised the public to consult immigration lawyers to better understand what immigration officials can and cannot do.
When asked if the Biden administration’s open border policies contributed to the rapid enforcement measures under Trump, Vasquez Luna refrained from placing blame solely on Biden: “All administrations are to blame for what is happening because no one has done anything to really address it.”
Vega emphasized that “immigration officials have to act within the confines of the law,” and that the rules immigration officers follow do not differ for those living in the country illegally.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees Fourth Amendment protections, ensuring that individuals are secure in their persons and property and cannot be forced to produce citizenship documents on demand. It also prohibits searches of homes without a valid warrant or exigent circumstances. The Fifth and Sixth Amendments also grant rights to refuse to answer questions from officials and to be represented by a lawyer, regardless of immigration status.
Prince William County police outlined its stance on immigration enforcement in their manual, which states that officers do not assist in civil immigration enforcement and generally are not permitted to inquire about an individual’s immigration status during routine interactions. The policy emphasizes that officers will protect victims and witnesses of crimes, irrespective of their immigration status, in an effort to encourage crime reporting.
In a series of tweets, Manassas City Police acknowledged the growing concerns prompted by social media posts, including allegations of immigration checkpoints. However, they clarified their position: “The Manassas City Police Department has not, and will not, undertake any type of immigration-related investigations. We are not authorized to enforce federal immigration laws and cannot lawfully do so.” They encouraged residents to contact the non-emergency line with any concerns, regardless of their immigration status.
Regarding protections for crime victims, Manassas Police spokesman Brett Stumpf reminded the community that Virginia law protects residents who report crimes, witness incidents, or are victims, regardless of their immigration status.
One of President Trump’s recent Executive Orders removes the designation of certain sensitive places, such as schools and houses of worship, as safe zones from immigration enforcement. This change allows for enforcement in these areas, which were previously used as refuges by individuals seeking to evade immigration authorities.
Vega, who works as a Prince William County Sheriff’s Deputy, stated, “It is possible that criminals seeking to evade the law may try to exploit our places of worship and schools.”
She also cautioned against relying on information from groups with potential political motives, saying, “These fear-mongering tactics are being used to manipulate and divide our community, not protect it. These groups prioritize personal gain and political agendas over the well-being of the people they claim to serve.”
The Laken Riley Act, signed into law last Wednesday by President Trump, expands the list of crimes that trigger mandatory detention for non-citizens arrested or charged with offenses like rape, theft, assault on a police officer, or crimes that result in injury or death. It also allows states severely impacted by the migrant crisis to sue federal officials who fail to act. This bipartisan law passed both chambers of Congress with broad support.
Activists have focused their efforts on two local congressmen, Eugene Vindman and Suhas Subramanyan, who were among the 50 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 12 in the Senate who joined Republicans in voting for the law to remove criminal immigrants.
“You know what they called Obama, right? Deporter-in-Chief,” Vasquez Luna said, alluding to the fact that former President Obama deported more than 3.1 million people to the US illegally. During Trump’s first term, he deported about 1 million. Now, in his second term, immigration officials have arrested 5,500, but Trump vows to deport “a lot more.”
Supporters of Donald J. Trump gathered in Haymarket on January 20, 2025, to celebrate the inauguration of the 47th U.S. President at a watch party hosted by the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club.
The sold-out event, held at Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano, drew attendees from across Prince William County and as far away as Peru. Organized under the leadership of Carol Fox, the watch party was described as a joyous occasion that brought local Republicans together to celebrate and enjoy the historic moment.
“The event was a chance to bring Republicans together and have fun watching the inauguration,” said Fox. Adding to the festivities, a dance contest to the tune of “YMCA” delighted guests, with prizes awarded for the most Trump-inspired dance moves. Proceeds from the event will support the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club’s college scholarship program.
Jeff Fuller, a member of the executive board of the Prince William County Republican Committee, praised President Trump’s inaugural address. “It was no-nonsense and forward-looking,” Fuller said, reflecting the sentiments of many attendees.
The Prince William County Republican Committee commended the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club for organizing the celebration and creating an event that energized the community and raised funds for a worthy cause.
By Sarah Hagen and Andrew Kerley
VCU Capital News Service – Retired Falls Church handyman John Magill braved cold rain and snow, and a blocks-long line for the chance to see President Donald Trump speak at a rally ahead of his second inauguration.
Magill held a handwritten sign with the words: “TRUMP IS THE G.O.A.T.” — short for “greatest of all time.”
“Just the way he handles things, he’s a businessman,” Magill said, about why he voted for Trump. “He wants to get rid of the corrupt government. The economy is better off with him.”
Magill was one of several Virginians who called themselves commonsense voters, and who journeyed into Washington for Trump’s “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” at the Capital One Arena on Jan. 19.
These voters tell Capital News Service they want cheaper gas and food, more law enforcement support, less undocumented immigrants and things that “normal Americans love.” Several cited false or misleading statistics to back up their favorable view.
Approximately 20,000 people were allowed into the rally that ran from approximately 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event featured guests like Kid Rock, Village People and Elon Musk, whose son X followed him on stage.
Trump, who did his trademark dance to a live “YMCA” performance, reiterated his promise to issue many executive orders upon taking office, which is common during the transfer of power.
“You’re going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy, lots of them,” Trump said to a cheering crowd, according to a transcript of his speech. “We have to set our country on the proper course.”
Trump promised the “most aggressive sweeping effort to restore our borders the world has ever seen.” Another initial focus will be to end “the Biden war on American energy” which Trump sees as a way to help defeat inflation and lower energy costs.
Arlington information technology specialist Bryan Malonjao immigrated from the Philippines. He became a naturalized citizen by serving in the Marine Corps for five years and now works at the Pentagon, he said. Malonjao supports Trump’s planned deportations.
“Do it the right way,” Malonjao said. “Do it the way I did it. I earned my citizenship.”
Malonjao’s wife is currently in Turkey awaiting a process to migrate to the U.S., he said. He questions why Immigration and Citizenship Services are taking a year to make it happen. And he is frustrated by a belief that the Democratic Party is expediting cases of people “coming in here illegally already.”
“This is all from the internet, you can see it, and they’re approving them a lot faster than someone who’s doing it the right way,” Malonjao said.
There are currently 17 countries that have temporary protected status, which allows individuals who would be unsafe if deported back to those countries to stay temporarily but is not necessarily a permanent immigration pathway, according to the American Immigration Council. It can take anywhere from six months to 1.5 years to gain TPS.
Malonjao also thinks it is unfair if undocumented immigrants receive more housing money than people who lost homes in Hurricane Helene, citing numbers similar to statements Trump made in the past that were disproven.
He also wants Trump to fix inflation.
“Fix the tax, lower the grocery prices, gas prices,” Malonjao said. “Help out the veterans … honestly help out the veterans. A lot of veterans are suffering right now and I want those people to be helped first.”
Marcos Padilla from King George County said he was active in the earlier tea party movement that paved the way for the Make America Great Again movement, or MAGA. Padilla likes Trump because he “left us alone” during his first term.
“Just stay off our backs,” Padilla said. “We don’t need more regulations, we don’t need more laws, we don’t need more rules, we need fewer, right?”
Candy maker Rick Dotson of Staunton thinks Trump did “a really good job” the first time. He cited inflation and border security as top reasons he is excited to see Trump back in the Oval Office.
Dotson, who works at Hershey Chocolate of Virginia, thinks this is a moment of change.
“I’ve seen a lot of different people out here today, a lot of different nationalities,” Dotson said. “I think it’s going to bring the country together more, hopefully.”
Travelers and locals scrambled to find backup plans when Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration was moved inside the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasted freezing temperatures. Over 200,000 tickets were reportedly distributed, or promised, but only a fraction of that number could enter the Capital One Arena, which was used Monday as a location for people to watch a livestream of Trump’s swearing in.
The president plans to take the stage again at the sports arena on Monday, as part of his inaugural parade ceremonies. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who attended the inauguration, told the press he is slated to deliver remarks at the arena before the parade.
Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robertson School of Media and Culture. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia.
Today, Monday, January 20, 2025, marks Inauguration Day in the United States. Donald J. Trump is being sworn in as the 47th President, becoming the second individual after Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive presidential terms.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at noon, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath of office. Due to severe cold weather conditions, the event will be held in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.
Local Event: Inauguration Watch Party
The Bull Run Republican Women’s Club is hosting an Inauguration Watch Party today at Giuseppe’s Ristorante, located at 15120 Washington Street in Haymarket. Doors open at 11 a.m. The event will feature a celebratory atmosphere as attendees watch the inaugural proceedings together.
Tickets are $35 in advance, which includes a glass of bubbly, with food available for purchase. Tickets on the day of the event are $47 if space allows. Proceeds from the event will go toward the organization’s scholarship and candidate donation program.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/25inauguration.
President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect JD Vance criticized the proposed plan in a statement released on Dec. 18 on X (formerly Twitter), where they said the deal had provisions that would hide records of the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, and that the bill would give Congress a pay increase while Americans are “struggling this Christmas.”
The 1,547-page continuing resolution was scrapped on December 18, hours before lawmakers approved the measure. The bill aimed to prevent a partial government shutdown and included a variety of allocations ranging from disaster relief to football stadium land:
- Disaster Relief: Over $100 billion was designated for disaster recovery efforts to assist states and local communities affected by recent natural disasters.
- Farmers’ Economic Aid: $10 billion was allocated to support farmers facing low commodity prices and high input costs, ensuring continued access to credit and financial assistance.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): $29 billion was earmarked for FEMA’s disaster relief fund to enhance response capabilities for future emergencies.
- Agricultural Support: $21 billion was intended for farmers to bolster the agricultural sector amid economic challenges.
- Infrastructure Repairs: $8 billion was set aside for highway and bridge repairs to address critical infrastructure needs across the country.
- Community Development Block Grants: $12 billion was allocated for community recovery block grants to support local development projects in disaster-affected areas.
- Health Care Provisions: The bill included measures to extend funding for various health care programs, ensuring continued access to essential services.
- Technological Competition: Provisions were included to counter foreign technological advancements, particularly focusing on China’s growing influence in the tech sector.
- Sports Infrastructure: Plans were made to transfer land to facilitate the construction of a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, aiming to boost local economic development.
- Government Operations Funding: The bill sought to extend federal funding through March 14, 2025, to maintain government operations and avert a shutdown.
Warner said the effects of a government shutdown would be felt in Virginia on an unprecedented level. He described the possibility of a shutdown as a “cruel, heartless, stupid maneuver a few days before Christmas.” Warner said the impacts of a shutdown would be felt widely, from delays in package deliveries to long lines, delays and disruptions in air travel. He also noted the impacts on Virginia tourism, which brought in over $90 million per day in the state’s restaurants, shops, attractions, and hotels in 2023. Visitors spent over $33 billion in Virginia in 2023.
Unlike federal employees, Warner said that small business owners whose shops, attractions, and restaurants revolve around the area’s parks and travel destinations will feel the impact the most. They will not be refunded from losses that closed parks and tourist destinations sustained. Any time and earnings lost from a shutdown cannot be recouped when the government shutdown ends.
Warner said he was with many of his Republican colleagues when the scrapping of the deal was announced and said many of them were aghast. The deal wasn’t perfect, but the majority of senators were ready to compromise and pass it to move forward, he added. Warner attributed the joint statement from Trump and Vance and Elon Musk’s posts on the social media platform “X” to the fall of the bill.
“I had a career in business before I was in politics, and I’ve done a lot of deals. Trump says he’s a dealmaker – you don’t do a deal and renege, which happened at the 11th and ½ hour,” said Warner. He said the deal essentially started unraveling when “the richest man in the world started tweeting out just plain untruths about what’s in the deal. I should remind you, Elon Musk has more followers online than Donald Trump.”
Government shutdowns impact Virginia far more than any other state, Warner added. Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) noted in a November 2023 report that, according to the Virginia Employment Commission, over 14,000 federal workers in Virginia were directly affected by the 2018-2019 shutdown. The study also noted that in the 2013 shutdown, approximately 55,275 employees were affected since one-third of Federal Civilian employees in Virginia were considered non-exempt.
Small businesses and restaurants would be particularly vulnerable in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, where most of the state’s federal employees live. Some of these businesses may reduce hiring employees, cut the hours of existing employees, or close permanently.
These last-minute threats of government shut-downs with resolution at the last minute are not uncommon. In the last 15 years, the question of government shutdowns over funding has threatened shutdowns at least 8 times.
During Trump’s first term, a shutdown lasted 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019. In the last 50 years, there have been 21 federal shutdowns. Threats of a possible government shutdown have made the headlines of major newspapers every year for the previous 10 years.
“This is why Virginians and Americans lose faith in their governing institutions when people act so irresponsibly and have so little value that when you actually shake hands on a deal that you’re going to honor that” Warner said. “In this framework of our government, you can’t choose who you do business with.”
Warner has represented Virginia in the U.S. Senate since 2009. Before his Senate career, he served as the 69th Governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006, focusing on education reform. Warner is also an entrepreneur and former technology executive, co-founding the company that became Nextel Communications.
DOGE, a proposed federal agency designed to streamline government operations under incoming President-Elect Donald Trump, aims to enhance transparency and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. Specific focus areas include modernizing outdated IT systems, consolidating overlapping agency functions, and introducing advanced data analytics to improve decision-making processes.
Its primary focus is on evaluating and modernizing processes across federal departments to improve service delivery, optimize resource allocation, and eliminate redundancy. Specific targets include outdated systems and overlapping roles within federal agencies.
