Dear Neighbor,
Last week, I traveled to Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Good and amid ongoing violence tied to Trump’s mass deportation policies.
Most by now have seen the videos of chaos and violence. But on the ground, I heard something more. Fear is shutting down daily life. Businesses have closed. Restaurants are seeing fewer customers. Schools have had to shift to virtual learning. And American citizens are hiding in their homes, not because they did anything wrong, but because they’re terrified they could be the next person brutalized, detained, or killed. |
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When U.S. citizens and law-abiding immigrants are hiding in their homes because of ICE, something is terribly wrong. We have to rein in this abuse before it spreads to more communities.
I take government funding votes seriously, and have voted for a series of bipartisan funding bills this year because they reversed Trump budget cuts and restricted some of the Administration’s unconstitutional policies. |
But DHS is out of control under Secretary Noem's policies. That’s why I was one of the first members of Congress to call for the DHS funding bill to include strong language reining in ICE and other agencies involved in immigration enforcement. When the DHS funding bill came to the House floor without those restrictions, I could not support it.
The bill did not include enforceable protections like ending masking, requiring agents to identify themselves with visible badges and badge numbers, setting clear use-of-force standards, and ensuring real discipline for officers who violate the rules.
Those protections weren’t in the bill. So I voted NO. And I will keep using my voice and my seat on the Homeland Security Committee to press for accountability and enforceable guardrails at every step.
As the violence in Minnesota dominates the headlines and Greenland dominates President Trump’s policy attention, families here at home are already being squeezed by higher costs. Estimates show Virginia families paid $1,269 more last year.
Tariff uncertainty only adds to that stress. Over the last few days, President Trump announced new tariffs on NATO allies in connection with Greenland, then announced they will not move forward. That kind of whiplash makes it harder for small businesses to plan and for families to budget. It rattles supply chains and can put upward pressure on prices that show up in everyday life.
I’ve already heard what tariff uncertainty is doing to Fairfax. Last month, I brought small business owners together at Scrawl Books in Reston, from coffee roasters to design studios to neighborhood shops, and they described the same pressures. Thinner margins. Higher costs. Customers cutting back. Many are making heart-wrenching choices just to keep their doors open and their employees on payroll.
Instead of lowering costs and restoring stability, these policies are fueling chaos abroad and fear at home. Americans deserve better, and I’m going to keep fighting for safety, accountability, and lower costs for Fairfax families. |
As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, current forecasts point to a significant winter storm in our region this weekend. Forecasts can evolve day by day, but the National Weather Service is indicating high confidence in winter weather Saturday into Sunday, and it is still too early to predict exact snowfall totals.
To help you plan ahead, I have included a winter weather preparedness section later in this newsletter with vital resources, phone numbers, and updates for Fairfax County, VDOT, and the latest forecasts.
Please continue reading below.
Make sure to follow me on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads to stay up-to-date! |
This week, I was grateful to join hundreds of community members across Fairfax as we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through a national day of service.
I was proud to be with our neighbors and volunteers at the MLK Day of Service with Volunteer Fairfax, and to join the community at First Baptist Church of Vienna. Dr. King reminded us that our responsibility is to one another, and Fairfax answered that call with compassion and action. |
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I was also honored to join the Reston community for the MLK Birthday Celebration at the Reston Community Center. Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.’s keynote was a powerful reminder that Dr. King’s legacy calls us to choose courage over comfort and justice over silence.
As we reflect on his life and the work ahead, may we keep strengthening our democracy, uplifting our neighbors, and striving toward a more just and inclusive future. |
Winter Weather Advisory
Forecasts can change quickly, but right now we are seeing the potential for significant snow in our region this weekend. I want to make sure Northern Virginia families have the information and resources to be prepared before, during, and after the storm.
My office will continue sharing updates as they come in. In the meantime, here are a few key reminders. |
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Most road plowing is handled by VDOT, not Fairfax County. VDOT begins plowing more than 14,000 lane miles once 2 inches of snow have fallen, starting with interstates and primary routes. You can track the snowplow activity in your area on VDOT’s website.
If you need to report hazardous road conditions, you can contact VDOT’s 24-hour service line at 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). For emergencies, call 911.
For Fairfax County government operating status and storm-related updates, the county maintains an Emergency Information Hotline at 703-817-7771. And for the latest federal winter weather forecasts and ice and snow accumulation outlooks, rely on the National Weather Service.
If you are without power, report your power outage to your utility provider:
Read some tips about what to do before, during, and after a power outage. |
Hypothermia Prevention Program
As temperatures drop, Fairfax County is operating its winter safety net to keep people experiencing homelessness safe and warm. The county’s Hypothermia Prevention Program and emergency shelters run from now until March 31, providing warm beds, food, clothing, and support services so no one has to sleep outside in dangerous conditions.
Why does it matter? During the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, Fairfax County identified more than 1,300 people without stable housing. Cold weather increases the risk of hypothermia, illness, and injury — making consistent access to shelter and resources critical for neighbors in need.
If you see someone who may need help, contact the county’s non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 (TTY 711) to request a wellness check.
For full details and more, visit Fairfax County’s website. |
Fairfax is leading the nation on public safety |
Becoming the safest jurisdiction of our size in America is no accident. It takes sustained investment, strong partnerships, and dedicated public servants who show up every day to keep Fairfax safe. The Fairfax County Police Department does outstanding work for our community.
This latest snapshot from FCPD shows progress. Crime is down across categories, roadway fatalities are trending down, and the Department continues strengthening its ability to respond effectively.
During my time on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I was proud to work with law enforcement and community partners to help Fairfax remain the safest large jurisdiction in the United States, with the lowest violent crime rate. That record comes from investing in public safety and community trust.
In Congress, I’m bringing that same balanced approach. I’m working to strengthen federal support so local departments have the right tools, world-class training, and resources to meet today’s challenges, while expanding mental health crisis response and protecting due process and civil rights. |
James Walkinshaw Member of Congress |
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