Virginia Governor Orders Law Enforcement to Cooperate with ICE on Deportations

Virginia has joined a growing number of Republican-led states in requiring law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal authorities in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order on Tuesday, citing federal law that allows state and local officials to enter into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The order mandates that state law enforcement and correctional agencies enter into formal agreements with ICE, pledging "full cooperation" in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. Youngkin justified the order by stating that "dangerous criminal illegal immigrants should not be let back into our communities to assault, rape and murder." He added, "They should be sent back where they came from."

The scope of cooperation varies from state to state. Some states, like Tennessee, focus on pursuing criminal undocumented immigrants, while others, like Virginia, instruct police to assist with apprehending and deporting any undocumented immigrants living illegally in their state.

Under Youngkin's order, Virginia State Police will form a "287(g) Task Force" with ICE to identify and apprehend "criminal illegal immigrants" who pose a risk to the public. This agreement grants these officers special authority to perform immigration enforcement functions under ICE's supervision.

The order also tasks the state's secretary of public safety and homeland security with requesting "certification" from local and regional jail authorities that they will fully cooperate with ICE and the newly deputized state task force. This will allow Virginia Department of Corrections facilities to be used for immigration matters, such as processing and detention.

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor, praised the order, stating that it will make Virginia safer by sending "dangerous and violent illegal immigrants" back to their home countries. She added that the order will prevent tragedies caused by the release of dangerous criminals back onto the streets.