Spanberger orders state law enforcement to exit federal immigration agreements
VPM7 days
Virginia Gov. Spanberger Ends ICE Immigration Agreements
Does this better protect Virginia communities or does it prioritize criminals over citizens?
Above: Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Jan. 17. Image credit: Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Ending ICE cooperation agreements protects Virginia communities from Trump's chaotic deportation force and prevents fear-based policing that destroys trust between law enforcement and residents. State officials should answer to Virginia's leadership and values, not serve as deputies for a lawless federal agency engaging in enforcement theater. Drawing a clear line against collaboration with ICE's brutality is exactly what thoughtful law enforcement leadership looks like.
Republican narrative
Spanberger campaigned as a moderate but immediately dismantled critical public safety partnerships that helped arrest criminal illegal aliens in Virginia. The 287(g) program provided local law enforcement with federal resources to keep communities safe, yet this governor prioritizes protecting violent criminals over citizens. Virginia is rapidly becoming California East, adopting the same failed sanctuary policies that have driven mass exodus through soaring crime and crushing taxpayer burdens.