Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie Reed Faces Federal Warning Over Sanctuary City Status
Mayor Stephanie Reed has been formally notified by America First Legal (AFL) that Lynchburg has been designated a sanctuary jurisdiction. AFL’s December 23, 2024, letter accuses Lynchburg of violating federal immigration laws by failing to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The letter warns Reed and city officials of potential criminal and civil liabilities, urging immediate action to comply with federal law.
📸: City of Lynchburg, Virginia and America First Legal
Lynchburg’s Sanctuary Designation and ICE Detainer Report
Lynchburg’s designation as a sanctuary jurisdiction is linked to policies within the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, which has been flagged as “non-cooperative” by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). CIS referenced ICE’s June 2024 Detainer Acceptance Report to highlight this designation. The report noted that the regional jail system, which includes Lynchburg, does not honor detainer requests from ICE, a policy overseen in part by Lynchburg Sheriff Don Sloan and City Manager Wynter Benda, both of whom serve on the authority’s board of directors. (Center for Immigration Studies; Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority Website)
AFL’s letter comes amidst reports from ICE that over 647,000 undocumented immigrants with removal orders remain at large across the U.S. Lynchburg is now under scrutiny for policies that allegedly obstruct immigration enforcement, raising public safety concerns.
Crime Linked to Undocumented Immigrants in Lynchburg Region
Several high-profile crimes involving undocumented immigrants in 2024 have fueled local criticism of sanctuary policies:
1. Convicted Rapist on Most Wanted List Captured:
A man featured on Maryland’s Most Wanted for rape was apprehended in Lynchburg in February 2024. He had evaded authorities before being located in the city. (Fox Baltimore)
2. Sex Crimes in Campbell County:
Renzo Mendoza Montes, a Venezuelan national, was arrested for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He had previously been detained and released at the border in 2023. (WSET)
3. Bedford County Stabbing:
An undocumented teen stabbed a man in Bedford County in August 2024, illustrating the dangers of sanctuary policies. (WSLS)
4. Human Trafficking and Abduction:
A 15-year-old girl from Ohio was rescued in Bedford County after being kidnapped. The suspect, an undocumented immigrant, was linked to human trafficking. (WSLS)
Rising School Enrollment Data Signals Potential Trends
Although precise data on Lynchburg’s undocumented population is unavailable, school enrollment trends suggest significant demographic changes. The Virginia Department of Education reports that Hispanic students learning English as a second language have increased from 192 to 302 since Reed’s tenure began—a stark rise compared to prior years. This shift raises questions about immigration patterns and resource allocation in the city’s schools. (Virginia Department of Education Fall Membership Data Table)
State Scrutiny and Potential Funding Loss
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has proposed cutting state funding to cities with sanctuary policies. Councilmember Martin Misjuns, in a December 12, 2024, email to City Manager Wynter Benda, acknowledged the Governor’s stance, warning that Lynchburg’s policies could jeopardize state funding. (NBC Washington; Misjuns.com)
Local Governance and Next Steps
The Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, which oversees the policies cited in the CIS report, will hold its next board meeting on January 9, 2025. The authority includes Lynchburg officials Sheriff Don Sloan and City Manager Wynter Benda, both of whom could play a role in reassessing the city’s policies. (Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority Website)
America First Legal’s Call to Action
AFL has called for immediate compliance with federal law, warning Mayor Reed and other officials of severe consequences, including:
• Criminal Charges: Conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
• Civil Liabilities: Triple damages under RICO for victims of crimes linked to sanctuary policies.
Failure to act could leave Lynchburg vulnerable to lawsuits, criminal investigations, and funding cuts, forcing local officials to address mounting public safety concerns and immigration enforcement challenges.
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