Virginia’s new governor, Abigail Spanberger, has officially terminated the state’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, fulfilling a significant campaign promise. This decision, announced shortly after her inauguration, reverses an executive order put in place by former governor Glenn Youngkin that mandated cooperation between state police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Spanberger’s move has ignited a heated debate among lawmakers, with immigration advocates celebrating the change while opponents argue it jeopardizes public safety.
Ending the state’s collaboration with ICE means that local law enforcement officers will no longer assist in the arrest and deportation of individuals living in Virginia without legal status. Spanberger emphasized the need for state and local law enforcement to concentrate on their core responsibilities, stating, “State and local law enforcement officers must be able to focus on their core responsibilities, investigating crime and community policing.”
The governor’s decision has resonated positively with immigration advocacy groups. CASA, a prominent organization serving immigrant communities, expressed its approval, asserting that Youngkin’s policies had perpetuated fear and led to racial profiling, particularly in areas like Prince William County, which is home to many Central American families. Spanberger argued that local forces should not be compelled to use their limited resources to enforce federal immigration laws, which she described as “civil” laws.
Opposition voices from the Republican Party have been swift and vocal. State Senator Tara Durant criticized Spanberger’s use of the term “civil,” suggesting it downplays the potential risks involved. “It’s frankly offensive,” Durant remarked, citing personal accounts from victims of crimes committed by individuals without legal status. She argued that the primary concern for Virginians is safety, asserting, “They want safe communities. They want to be able to allow their children to go to the local parks.”
Republican House Leader Terry Kilgore echoed these sentiments, predicting that the end of cooperation with ICE will lead to increased crime rates in the state. He referenced specific incidents that occurred during Youngkin’s tenure, where individuals living illegally in Virginia were accused of serious crimes, including violent assaults. Kilgore stated, “We know how it is in Northern Virginia with some of our prosecutors who want to look the other way and coddle criminals.”
Youngkin’s executive order had been in effect for nearly a year and was enacted in response to high-profile cases involving individuals who had committed violent crimes. This included allegations of rape and murder linked to undocumented residents. In one notable case, an individual released from custody after ICE issued a detainer was subsequently charged with the murder of a man just a day later. Spanberger’s critics contend that her decision to end cooperation with ICE may hinder efforts to apprehend dangerous individuals, such as members of the notorious MS-13 gang.
Governor Youngkin had previously highlighted the successes of his initiative, noting that it resulted in significant arrests, including that of a high-ranking MS-13 member. He maintained that such collaborations between local law enforcement and federal agencies are essential for maintaining public safety in Virginia.
With Spanberger now at the helm, the political landscape in Virginia is poised for further contention as both sides prepare to advocate for their respective visions of public safety and immigration policy. The outcome of this ongoing debate will likely shape the state’s approach to immigration enforcement and community safety for years to come.
