Spanberger Ends Virginia's ICE Pact on Day One, Hailed as 'Historic' Victory
Quick Summary
On her first day in office, Governor Abigail Spanberger decisively ended Virginia's partnership with federal immigration authorities by repealing Executive Order 47, which had allowed local police to act as ICE agents under the 287(g) program. This significant policy change was a major victory for immigrant advocacy groups like CASA in Action, whose sustained organizing and pressure were instrumental, and it underscores the growing political influence of Latino voters, especially in populous areas like Prince William County. Luis Aguilar, Virginia Director at CASA in Action, celebrated the move as a historic day, asserting that community safety is improved when families can live without fear of deportation and that Virginia does not need to collaborate with ICE to be secure. While praising the repeal as a crucial first step, Aguilar emphasized that the work is not finished, calling on the General Assembly to pass the strongest possible protections for immigrants and impose strict limits on any voluntary cooperation with ICE. To build on this success, the immigrant community will rally at the Virginia General Assembly on January 22nd to advocate for further legislation to protect families statewide.
On her very first day in office, Governor Abigail Spanberger made a major move by ending Virginia's partnership with federal immigration authorities. She immediately did away with Executive Order 47,...
On her very first day in office, Governor Abigail Spanberger made a major move by ending Virginia's partnership with federal immigration authorities. She immediately did away with Executive Order 47, which pulled the state from the 287(g) program that had allowed some local police to act as ICE agents.
The decision was a huge win for immigrant advocacy groups like CASA in Action, whose years of pressure and organizing were key to making this happen. It also highlights the growing influence of Latino voters, who played a big part in Spanberger's election. Some of the biggest shifts in voting since the 2024 presidential election happened in Virginia’s most populous Hispanic areas, particularly Prince William County, home to thousands of families from El Salvador and Central America.
"Today is a historic day for the Commonwealth," said Luis Aguilar, the Virginia Director at CASA in Action. "This victory belongs to the immigrant communities who organized, spoke out, and refused to be silenced. By repealing EO-47, Governor Spanberger has reaffirmed that Virginia stands for freedom for all."
Aguilar pointed out that the move sends a clear signal: Virginia doesn't need to team up with ICE to keep people safe. "When families can live without fear of deportation, everyone is safer," he said.
But he was also clear that this is just the beginning. While the repeal is a great first step, Aguilar said there's more to do. "The General Assembly must honor Virginia’s legacy by advancing the strongest protections for immigrant communities and imposing the strictest limits on voluntary collaboration with ICE."
To build on this momentum, members of the immigrant community are planning to rally at the Virginia General Assembly on Thursday, January 22nd, at 9 a.m. They want to make sure lawmakers know that while this was an important victory, the fight to protect immigrant families across the state isn't over yet.