Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is facing backlash over two issues concerning the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. One is a civil rights investigation into the traffic-stop practices of a rural sheriff who has been working with ICE, while the other involves a legal challenge regarding federal access to commercial driver records.
Virginia House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore expressed to Fox News Digital that these situations reveal a broader reluctance from Virginia’s Democratic leadership to collaborate with President Trump. His comments followed Jones’s announcement of an investigation into Greene County Sheriff Steve Smith.
“I think this is just how the whole administration operates. They seem really frustrated with Trump and are determined not to cooperate with him at all,” Kilgore, a Republican from Gate City, remarked in an interview.
In a recent move, Jones’ Office of Civil Rights issued a notification to Sheriff Smith, launching an inquiry into allegations about the Greene County Sheriff’s Office’s traffic-stop methods and its collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
“I commend the Greene County sheriff for collaborating with ICE to keep illegal individuals off our roads and prevent crimes,” Kilgore noted, contrasting Smith’s actions with those of Jones, whom he accused of creating conflicts with sheriffs regarding illegal immigration.
The scrutiny comes amid a shift in Virginia’s immigration policy under Governor Abigail Spanberger. On her first day in office, Spanberger, who had endorsed Jones, overturned former Governor Glenn Youngkin’s instructions that promoted cooperation with ICE. She also signed a bill in late April limiting state and local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement.
Jones’ Office of Civil Rights asserted that they were looking into claims that the Greene County Sheriff’s Office might be conducting traffic stops that violate state law and constitutional rights. The office has requested records related to immigration enforcement policies, training materials, and interagency agreements.
Smith has defended his department’s involvement with ICE, which is noteworthy for a small county situated along significant transportation routes. He previously stated that his deputies utilize reasonable suspicion for initiating traffic stops.
Local activists have claimed that some stops are based on profiling, while Smith maintains that most traffic stops are initiated due to violations like speeding or running red lights.
“It seems like the Virginia AG is going after a law enforcement officer for doing what cops are supposed to do,” commented former Delegate Nick Freitas in a statement.
Jones, Spanberger, and ICE were contacted for comments, but Sheriff Smith declined to provide a statement due to legal counsel. Previously, he indicated he would continue assisting ICE despite the new law after discussions with another delegate.
State Senator Creigh Deeds expressed disappointment regarding the situation. He acknowledged the importance of legal immigration while highlighting that many individuals currently present are filling essential roles.
Former Delegate Kim Taylor pointed out what she sees as hypocrisy in Jones’s actions, recalling past controversial comments he made about political opponents. “For someone who previously suggested violent actions to now lecture law enforcement is quite ironic,” she said.
Jones is not only investigating Smith but has also joined a lawsuit opposing the Trump administration’s request for a mass transfer of commercial driver records, which affects about 17 million drivers. This legal pursuit comes as the Department of Transportation takes steps against drivers who fail to meet English language requirements or those linked to serious incidents.
A judge has temporarily blocked the records transfer, a decision Jones praised for protecting driver privacy.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed the operation in Ruckersville that led to several arrests. They emphasized the importance of partnerships with local law enforcement in apprehending illegal immigrants, stating that when local agencies can’t work with federal officials, the need for visible law enforcement increases.
Kilgore criticized the lawsuit, claiming it’s just another way to challenge the administration. “This is yet another instance where we seem to be siding with those here illegally over the safety of our citizens,” he remarked.
He expressed confusion over the Democrats’ opposition to measures aimed at ensuring highway safety.
