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A resource fair in Northern Virginia is helping federal workers and contractors whose livelihoods have been disrupted, as a partial government shutdown stretches beyond 30 days.

The event, held at Wakefield High School, connected attendees with local support services during a period of ongoing economic uncertainty tied to the shutdown.

The shutdown comes amid a broader national debate over funding for immigration enforcement, following a series of deadly incidents involving federal agents in Minnesota that have sparked investigations and protests. Multiple shootings involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this year, including the deaths of two people, intensified scrutiny of enforcement tactics and fueled demonstrations nationwide.

The fair was organized in partnership with the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and the City of Falls Church.

Attendees had access to a range of resources, including housing assistance, food support, small business services, and resume help.

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who helped organize the event, said the goal was to connect people with trusted local partners and provide relief during a time of economic strain.

He said many of those who attended were already facing financial hardship, having lost their jobs last year during federal cuts.

“These are people who still need to land on their feet,” Beyer said. “We have nobody that is affected by the DHS shutdown which should be over.”

Beyer also weighed in on the broader policy debate surrounding immigration enforcement.

“All we want for ICE is to do the same that every other law enforcement agency has done for the past 250 years, which is to follow the law,” he said.

Beyer said he hopes the current shutdown is resolved soon.