Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is urging Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano to resign after a serious incident on a popular trail in Herndon. Police say 31-year-old Denis Humberto Navarette Romero, who is in the U.S. illegally, raped a woman on the W&OD trail. Before this attack, Romero had been arrested multiple times for other crimes, yet he was repeatedly released back into the community by local authorities.
Miyares criticized the local government for not cooperating with federal immigration officials, which he believes allowed someone with a criminal history to commit this crime. He said that such situations are preventable if local authorities work more closely with federal partners like Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE.
Herndon residents are shaken by the crime, especially since the trail is a well-known spot for families and children. Many are now afraid for their safety, with one resident noting how many kids walk in the area.
Miyares also pushed for a new law that would require local governments to work with ICE, saying that Fairfax County’s refusal to do so has led to real harm for Virginia citizens. Fairfax County has a policy that prevents local police from cooperating with ICE, even in cases involving violent criminals.
Despite multiple requests for comment, Descano and other local leaders have not responded to questions about their handling of Romero’s case. Miyares hopes new bills will be passed that would improve cooperation between local and federal authorities to ensure public safety.
In response, Democratic leaders like State Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell have pointed to broader immigration challenges and political disagreements, while Republican leaders like State Senator Glen Sturtevant plan to sponsor legislation to address these concerns.