One might think that the Attorney General of Virginia would spend most of his time working to protect the lawful citizens of the Commonwealth. But based on Jay Jones’ activities over the past few weeks, that assumption would be in question. He instead seems intent on furthering the progressive ideal of protecting illegal immigrants.
In last week’s column, I wrote about how Attorney General Jones is suing the federal government to prevent it from determining whether or not Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) holders are able to speak and read English. Since then, we have learned that the attorney general is harassing local law enforcement officials who would dare to cooperate with federal authorities to get dangerous illegal immigrants out of their communities. To be specific, Attorney General Jones is unhappy that the Greene County Sheriff’s Office is working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). After the sheriff publicly stated that his office would continue working with ICE to remove dangerous illegal immigrants from Greene County, the attorney general responded by opening an investigation into the department’s traffic stops. The sheriff has said that he will fully cooperate with the attorney general’s investigation, but it appears obvious that this is a retaliatory action based upon the sheriff’s desire to comply with federal law.
Just last week, an all-too-familiar story played out once again in Northern Virginia when an illegal immigrant from Tajikistan – who was serving “time” in a mental health facility after murdering his landlord – skipped town and fled the United States. Since he received the equivalent of a slap on the wrist from a progressive NoVA prosecutor, the murderer was able to obtain a day pass to visit the Tajik embassy, and later to his Alexandria apartment, by which he purchased an airplane ticket to Tajikistan and escaped the country. Sanctuary policies like these create the condition for miscarriages of justice. Time and time again.
On a completely different topic, I am very pleased to announce that funding for Veteran Honor Guards will soon be on its way to Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) across the Commonwealth. As you may recall, I sponsored legislation and a budget amendment in the 2026 General Assembly session (HB 108) that provides financial support for those volunteers who provide full military funerals for our fallen veterans. This support was necessary because Honor Guard members largely bear their own costs, which can run well over one thousand dollars per person for uniforms, transportation, and other costs associated with ensuring that our veterans receive the full military honors they deserve at burial. VSOs, such as American Legions, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veteran-focused organizations that sponsor Honor Guards can begin applying for this funding immediately. The application period runs until October, and details for eligible VSOs can be found on the Department of Veteran Services’ website.
If you are a member of a VSO Honor Guard and have any additional questions about this program, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for all that you do to honor our fallen heroes.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
