Republican lawmakers in Virginia are criticizing Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to end state cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying the move could impact public safety.
The change came through an executive order signed early in Spanberger’s term, which reversed a 2025 order from former Governor Glenn Youngkin. That earlier order directed Virginia State Police and other state agencies to work with ICE under a federal program.
Virginia House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore and other GOP leaders argue that ending cooperation removes a tool used to identify and detain individuals in the country illegally who also have criminal histories. They say coordination between state and federal agencies is important for law enforcement and community safety.
Supporters of the governor’s decision see it differently. Immigration advocates say local and state law enforcement should focus on their core duties, and that immigration enforcement should remain the responsibility of federal agencies — not state police.
The decision has sparked a broader debate as Virginia enters a new administration, highlighting the deep partisan divide over immigration policy and the role of state government in federal enforcement.
What do you think?
Should Virginia law enforcement cooperate with ICE, or should immigration enforcement be handled strictly at the federal level? Share your thoughts in the comments.