FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2026
Contact: info@americanborderstory.org
WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, March 24, former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Victims Rights Reform Council Executive Director Jennifer Harrison joined the family of Stephanie Minter and representatives from The American Border Story (TABS) at the Virginia State Capitol for a press conference and vigil demanding accountability and urgent reforms after Stephanie Minter’s preventable and horrific death.
Speakers forcefully highlighted Stephanie’s death as a tragic consequence of failed policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, warning that these decisions have allowed repeat offenders and illegal aliens with extensive criminal records to remain on Virginia’s streets. TABS Executive Director Nicole Kiprilov underscored that Stephanie’s killing was the result of systemic failures at both the local and state levels, and demanded accountability from Governor Spanberger and Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano.
Stephanie’s mother, Cheryl Minter, delivered an emotional tribute, remembering her daughter as a joyful, faith-driven woman who brought light to those around her. She also issued a direct plea for change, calling for an end to policies that allow violent, repeat offenders to be released back into communities. She added that “Hopefully we can figure out ways to bring about change. So these criminals aren’t repeatedly put back on the streets again and again. I just can’t even fathom the idea that somebody would allow them out after the things that they’ve done.”
Throughout the event, speakers issued a unified and urgent call to action: overhaul court practices that enable repeat offenders, restore full cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and enforce laws designed to protect public safety. TABS called for the resignation of Governor Abigail Spanberger and the Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano. Former Virginia Attorney General Miyares also pressed for Governor Spanberger to veto House Bill 1441, warning that the legislation would further restrict law enforcement’s ability to work with federal authorities and causing similar tragedies.
Photo credit: Richmond Times-Dispatch
for her Late Daughter, Stephanie
Calls of Veto of HB 1441
