Virginia Governor Takes Stance Against Immigration Cooperation

Virginia’s Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger reaffirmed her anti-immigration enforcement stance on Wednesday by canceling agreements that allowed state officials to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Spanberger, who took office in January, issued an order requiring the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, and other agencies to terminate all 287(g) agreements with ICE. This action follows her quick reversal of an executive order from her GOP predecessor that called for increased cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

“Virginia law enforcement remains focused on enforcing the law, and Virginia law enforcement will continue to exercise available authority – including in cooperation with local, state, federal, and tribal partners – under a valid judicial warrant,” Spanberger mentioned in her directive.

She added, “I have full confidence that Virginia law enforcement is keeping Virginia safer when exercising their authority under Virginia law.”

The 287(g) program, named after a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act, enables state and local law enforcement to assist federal immigration officials. Typically, it allows ICE to delegate specific immigration enforcement powers to local agencies, helping them identify incarcerated and removable foreign nationals.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there were over 1,000 active 287(g) agreements across the nation, which helped deportation officers apprehend individuals involved in serious crimes.

However, Spanberger’s recent order indicated that a review of previous agreements found they “improperly cede accountability and discretion” of state law enforcement to the federal government, as these agreements required local agencies to operate under ICE supervision. Her directive also instructed relevant state agencies to provide lists of all existing 287(g) agreements and similar cooperative arrangements within five days.

This move is part of Spanberger’s ongoing efforts regarding immigration after taking over from term-limited Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Hours after being sworn in on January 17, Spanberger signed Executive Order 10, which revoked Youngkin’s order mandating collaboration between Virginia law enforcement and ICE. This previous directive encouraged localities to work with immigration agents during enforcement actions, reportedly leading to the apprehension of many criminal migrants.

Spanberger, a former congresswoman, pledged during her gubernatorial campaign to undo Youngkin’s authority. She won decisively against former Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears in the 2025 gubernatorial election, marking a significant Democratic victory across Virginia.

Former Virginia Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized Spanberger’s recent actions, claiming they would make Virginia streets less safe. “This is a disaster for the public safety of the Commonwealth. Mark my words, there will be Virginians who will be robbed, raped and murdered as a result of this anti-public safety executive order,” he stated.

A spokesperson for the DHS did not respond promptly to inquiries regarding the situation.