Detainer dispute follows Fairfax murder charge

(The Center Square) – A Virginia homicide suspect remains held without bond in Fairfax County as federal immigration officials and state leaders debate how immigration detainers should be handled in a county that has faced prior scrutiny over similar cases.

Abdul Jalloh, 32, was charged Wednesday of last week with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Stephanie Minter at a Hybla Valley bus stop, according to Fairfax County Police. Detectives identified Jalloh through surveillance footage and interviews.

He is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed it lodged an immigration detainer against Jalloh the same day as the arrest. The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office told The Center Square it has received what it described as “an informal request” from ICE in the case.

An immigration detainer asks a local jail to notify federal authorities before releasing an individual and to hold the person briefly so ICE can assume ...