Spanberger Reverses Youngkin’s ICE Cooperation Order Hours After Taking Office
Virginia’s newly sworn-in governor, Abigail Spanberger, confirmed a swift policy shift Saturday by reversing her predecessor’s immigration enforcement order, a move that matters immediately for local law enforcement’s role with federal agents.
Spanberger’s decision to undo Glenn Youngkin’s directive requiring state and local police to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) highlights a sharp change in how the commonwealth approaches federal immigration enforcement.
According to reports, Spanberger issued multiple executive orders within hours of her inauguration, one of which rescinded the 287(g)-related provision that had allowed Virginia law enforcement to assist ICE in identifying and detaining individuals living in the country illegally.
The move has already sparked political tension in Richmond, with Republican leaders warning that ending cooperation with ICE could undermine public safety and strip law enforcement of a tool to hold dangerous offenders accountable.
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“State and local law enforcement should not be required to divert their limited resources to enforce federal civil immigration laws,” Spanberger said in outlining her policy rationale.
The reversal fulfills a campaign promise Spanberger made as the Democratic nominee, underscoring the deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement and the role of 287(g) agreements in state policing.
Supporters argue the change will let local officers focus on community policing and core duties, while critics insist it jeopardizes coordination against criminal networks.
Over the coming weeks, lawmakers and law enforcement leaders are expected to debate legislation or budget language related to immigration cooperation, adding layers to the policy discussion. What happens next could shape Virginia’s law enforcement landscape through 2026 and beyond.
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