Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Washington, D.C., has arrested an Iranian immigrant with a significant criminal background, including multiple sodomy charges.
This arrest follows an executive order from Governor Abigail Spanberger, who recently revoked the 287(g) agreement between her predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, and the Department of Homeland Security. This agreement had facilitated resource and information sharing between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement to help apprehend illegal immigrants and criminals.
Virginia Senator Saddam Salim, a Democrat, introduced a bill aimed at preventing state law enforcement agencies from collaborating with ICE in many instances. This bill was passed by the Democratic-controlled House by a vote of 21-19.
Shayan Kahar, who appeared on the sex offender registry under an address close to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, was taken into custody by ICE this week. His criminal record includes severe charges like rape with a deadly weapon, sodomy involving a deadly weapon against a female, and similar charges involving a juvenile and a young girl. He has previous convictions for rape and forced sodomy dating back to 2011.
Salim’s proposed legislation would restrict both state and local law enforcement agencies from renewing or entering into federal immigration enforcement agreements unless specific conditions are met. It also prohibits law enforcement personnel from cooperating with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws.
This legislative initiative mirrors Spanberger’s assertion that Virginians deserve law enforcement resources focused on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement. Supporters like Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi claim that repealing Section 287(g) clarifies the roles of state and local law enforcement while prioritizing public safety and community trust.
Spanberger emphasized that Virginia law enforcement is dedicated to respecting valid judicial warrants and upholding state law regarding these issues. Fox News Digital has reached out to the governor’s office for further comments.
