Virginia Gubernatorial Race: Spanberger’s Stance on Immigration
Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat running for governor in Virginia, recently stated that one of her initial actions would be to end the partnership between state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, including ICE.
If Spanberger is elected in November, she plans to reverse the directive from Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. That order encourages local police and jails to assist ICE. This commitment comes amid ICE’s significant operations, reporting over 4,000 arrests in Virginia since the beginning of President Trump’s second term.
“I’ll revoke his executive order,” Spanberger mentioned in an interview with Virginia Mercury. She expressed that involving local law enforcement in immigration matters misuses their resources and responsibilities.
Having served three terms in the House from 2019 to 2025, Spanberger has been vocal against various legislative efforts regarding border security. For instance, she opposed the Security Border Supervision Act, which was part of a broader package aimed at restricting immigration and resuming the construction of border barriers.
In contrast, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears criticized Spanberger’s promises, particularly in light of past tragedies involving illegal immigrants. Sears pointed out that Spanberger opposed legislation intended to enhance immigration enforcement while now vowing to limit state police’s assistance to federal agents.
Using social media, Sears accused Spanberger of prioritizing undocumented individuals over public safety. “Every single time, she allows criminals to remain in Virginia,” he stated.
Governor Youngkin also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that Spanberger’s plans would create a “sanctuary for dangerous illegal immigrants.” His comments focused on public safety, framing it as a significant issue for voters come November.
As the race heats up, polling shows a tightening competition between Spanberger and Sears, with recent data revealing a narrow margin in voter support. Some polls indicated that Sears was leading with 43% against Spanberger’s 48%, leaving a portion of the electorate undecided.
In summary, Spanberger’s proposed changes to Virginia’s approach to immigration enforcement have certainly stirred the political waters, setting the stage for a contentious election season.
