Governor Ends Agreement with ICE
Virginia’s newly elected Governor Blue took steps on Wednesday to terminate the collaboration between state and local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Now, the so-called moderate Spanberger is attempting to transform Virginia into a sanctuary jurisdiction just like his socialist counterparts in New York and California by prohibiting state and local police from working with federal immigration authorities.”
Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic governor of Virginia, has a background in federal law enforcement. She recently announced a presidential order that sets a new standard for law enforcement in the state, rooted in “the principles and policies that have long guided Virginia law enforcement.”
According to a press release from her office, law enforcement’s primary role is “to protect lives,” and public trust is vital for effective policing.
It further states, “Virginia’s law enforcement agencies do not engage in fear-based enforcement nor create barriers for those seeking assistance during crises.”
To align with these principles, the Spanberger administration plans to reevaluate current law enforcement policies and training.
Spanberger, expressing her concerns as a former officer, noted that chaotic federal law enforcement activities nationwide could undermine the trust that police have established with their communities. “When state and local law enforcement agencies distract federal officers from addressing crimes and adhering to state laws, it diminishes their ability to build trust,” she stated. “This creates an atmosphere of fear, which complicates officers’ duties.”
“Today, Virginia is taking significant steps to reaffirm the responsibilities of police officers and strengthen public trust among Virginians,” she remarked.
In a separate directive, Spanberger declared that state law enforcement must end all existing 287(g) agreements with ICE, claiming these agreements “place Virginia’s officers under the supervision of the federal government to enforce civil immigration laws.”
The ICE 287(g) program allows state and local law enforcement to take on specific immigration duties under ICE’s oversight.
It’s noted that over 30 law enforcement agencies in Virginia are involved in agreements with ICE, with the majority—more than 20—falling under the 287(g) task force model, which permits local officers to perform “limited immigration powers” like identifying immigrants at checkpoints.
According to Spanberger’s office, her administration will review these agreements that law enforcement agencies are expected to honor by 2025, which, she argues, compel them to turn individuals over to ICE.
In response, the Virginia Republican Party criticized Spanberger’s directive, claiming “From her initial hours in office, Abigail Spanberger has disparaged the hardworking individuals of ICE and targeted their efforts to deport violent criminals.”
They continued, “The so-called moderate Spanberger is aiming to transform Virginia into a sanctuary jurisdiction akin to her socialist allies in New York and California, as she prevents state and local police from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. Virginians deserve leaders committed to using every means necessary to arrest and prosecute violent offenders. Instead, Abigail Spanberger appears to prioritize shielding criminals for the sake of leftist approval, thereby endangering Virginians.”
