As a proud resident of Chesapeake and a strong supporter of President Trump and the America First agenda, I’m outraged by the betrayal of Sheriff Dave Rosado, who’s been running a sanctuary city jail right under our noses. Rosado, who pretends to be a Republican, was appointed to finish Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan’s term without ever facing the voters.
O’Sullivan operated a sanctuary city jail under Biden, and instead of cleaning up that mess, Rosado is continuing the same reckless, woke policies—defying President Trump’s efforts to keep us safe. Now, as he seeks election for the first time, his refusal to cooperate with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) stands as one of the most alarming political scandals in Chesapeake’s recent history—a betrayal that puts our communities at serious risk.
Rosado’s Sanctuary City Jail: The Evidence
Under Dave Rosado’s leadership, the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office has adopted policies that actively undermine ICE and President Trump’s efforts to secure our borders and protect American citizens. A policy document titled “2.7.18 – Transfer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)” exposes Rosado’s shocking lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Here’s what it says:
Policy I: “The Sheriff or other official in charge… may, upon receipt of a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), transfer custody of the detainee to ICE no more than five (5) days prior to the date that he would otherwise be released… No detainee will be accepted or held on an ICE detainer only.”
Procedure B: “Immediately contact ICE to notify them of when the detainee will be released… If there is no action taken from ICE, the detainee is to be released from custody, not to extend past 23:50 hours on the final date of release, after approval of the Chief of Corrections.”
This policy falls short of ICE’s recommendations, which urge local law enforcement agencies to honor detainers by holding detainees for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release to allow ICE sufficient time to assume custody. By mandating same-day release as Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office has done, Chesapeake creates an unrealistically narrow window for ICE to act. If ICE is unable to pick up the detainee within this tight timeframe, the individual is released back into the community—regardless of their immigration status or criminal record. This approach effectively mirrors sanctuary policies designed to shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities, even when they have committed crimes on American soil, putting public safety at risk.
To make matters worse, a November 1, 2024, memorandum from Sheriff Rosado himself reaffirms his commitment to these dangerous policies. He states:
“Effective today, November 1, 2024, I officially adopt all existing Policies and Procedures previously signed by Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan.”
Rosado is doubling down on these reckless policies, revealing his true priorities—protecting illegal immigrants at the expense of Chesapeake’s families.
The Nationwide Context: Sheriffs Resisting Trump’s ICE Initiatives
Rosado’s actions aren’t happening in a vacuum. According to an article on Medium by Grant Lexington, many so-called “Republican” sheriffs across the country are refusing to cooperate with ICE—even as President Trump pushes for stricter immigration enforcement. Lexington’s article highlights how sheriffs like Rosado are adopting policies that limit ICE detainer compliance, often hiding behind excuses like “local autonomy” or “community trust.”
But let’s call it what it is: these are sanctuary policies that put illegal immigrants above the law.
The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) also provides a detailed map of sanctuary cities, counties, and states—showing that Virginia has multiple jurisdictions with sanctuary policies, including Chesapeake. This isn’t just a local issue. It’s part of a dangerous nationwide trend of sheriffs and local officials defying federal law and undermining President Trump’s efforts to secure our borders.
The Danger of Rosado’s Policies
Rosado’s refusal to fully cooperate with ICE is a direct threat to public safety. By releasing detainees with ICE holds back into our communities—potentially including gang members, drug traffickers, and other dangerous criminals—he’s putting Chesapeake families at risk. Under Rosado’s policy, even a one-day delay from ICE means a criminal illegal immigrant could be released back onto our streets, free to commit more crimes.
This isn’t just negligence—it’s a deliberate choice to prioritize illegal immigrants over the safety of American families.
President Trump has been clear: We must deport criminal illegal immigrants and secure our borders. His administration prioritized working with local law enforcement to ensure ICE can do its job. But sheriffs like Rosado are standing in the way, undermining these efforts and emboldening criminals who know they can exploit sanctuary policies to avoid deportation.
Rosado’s Hypocrisy: A Republican in Name Only
What makes Rosado’s actions even more infuriating is his false claim to be a Republican. We expect this kind of behavior from liberal Democrat sheriffs who proudly support sanctuary cities and openly defy federal law. But Rosado is trying to deceive conservative voters—pretending to align with Republican values while betraying the very people he’s asking to support him.
This isn’t what a real Republican does. A true Republican:
- Supports law and order.
- Stands with President Trump.
- Prioritizes the safety of American citizens over illegal immigrants.
Rosado’s actions are a slap in the face to every voter in Chesapeake he’s trying to fool into believing he’s one of us. In reality, he’s recklessly endangering our communities while masquerading as a conservative.
It’s time for Chesapeake voters to take a stand.
Dave Rosado’s sanctuary city jail is a betrayal of everything we stand for as conservatives and proud supporters of President Trump. We cannot allow a so-called “Republican” sheriff to jeopardize our safety and defy federal law.
I urge every patriot in Chesapeake to stand up and make your voice heard in the upcoming Republican Primary on June 17th. It’s time to elect a Chesapeake Sheriff who will:
- Assist ICE in securing our communities.
- Put our public safety first and woke leftist policies last.
- Uphold the America First agenda.
Together, we can send a clear message: Sanctuary policies have no place in Chesapeake—or anywhere in our Commonwealth.
We need a real conservative for Sheriff – not “Release ‘em Rosado”. Let’s Make Chesapeake Safe Again!
