Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger Ends Cooperation with Federal Immigration Authorities

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger officially halted collaboration between numerous state agencies and federal immigration authorities on Wednesday. Through an executive directive, she terminated 287(g) agreements involving the Virginia State Police, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Wildlife, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

These Agreements improperly ceded discretion and authority over Virginia law enforcement to federal authorities, the directive declared. I have full confidence that Virginia law enforcement agents are keeping Virginia safer when exercising their authority under Virginia law. Virginia always remains ready to enforce the law, and Virginia law enforcement will continue to exercise available authority under a valid judicial warrant.

The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that empowers local law enforcement officers to perform certain immigration officer duties under ICE’s supervision. This includes identifying undocumented individuals in local jails to prevent them from being released into communities.

Upon assuming office in January, Gov. Spanberger repealed an executive order that directed state law enforcement and encouraged local police and sheriff’s departments to deputize their officers as ICE agents, according to her office.

In a statement from the governor’s office, it was noted that Governor Spanberger removed the directive that Virginia law enforcement agencies divert focus from their core responsibilities — investigating crimes, enforcing state and local laws, and keeping Virginians safe.

The decision has attracted criticism from Republicans, who argue that reducing cooperation between local and federal immigration authorities could impact community safety. This development arises during escalating tensions resulting from the Trump administration’s strict approach to illegal immigration.

Meanwhile, Virginia Democrats, including Spanberger, are facing scrutiny for their support of new tax proposals, which they advocate for despite earlier promises to enhance affordability for Virginia residents.