Virginia Governor Ends State 287g ICE Agreements

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, issued an executive directive on Wednesday ordering state law enforcement agencies to terminate their participation in a federal program that allows them to perform immigration enforcement tasks under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervision.

The move targets Section 287g agreements with ICE, which deputize state officers to conduct certain civil immigration functions. Affected agencies include the Virginia State Police, Department of Corrections, Conservation Police, and Marine Police. Spanberger's order requires these entities to formally end any existing pacts and confirm compliance within five business days. It builds on her action on inauguration day to rescind a 2025 executive order from former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, which had mandated state involvement in the program.

Spanberger, a former federal law enforcement officer, framed the decision as a way to refocus resources on core public safety duties. "Virginians deserve to have their state and local law enforcement resources devoted to the safety and security of their communities, not federal civil immigration enforcement," the directive states. She...