Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia quickly repealed a previous executive order that required state law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This decision has sparked significant debate about its potential impact on public safety.
• Executive Order 10: Spanberger signed this order only hours after becoming governor, which rescinded her Republican predecessor Glenn Youngkin's Executive Order 47 that mandated cooperation with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Background on Executive Order 47: Youngkin's order, established in February 2025, required Virginia law enforcement and correction officials to assist ICE. This policy aimed to secure the detention of criminal illegal immigrants, resulting in over 6,200 arrests, including known gang members.
• Criticism of the Repeal: Former GOP Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized Spanberger’s decision, labeling it a "disaster" that could lead to increased crime in Virginia. He suggested that the lack of cooperation with federal officials would make communities less safe.
• Spanberger’s Justification: In her Executive Order 10, Spanberger explained that effective public safety necessitates prioritizing local law enforcement's core responsibilities rather than engaging in federal immigration enforcement, which she considers a waste of resources.
• Political Context: Abigail Spanberger won the governor's race in November 2025 decisively, contributing to a Democratic sweep in Virginia's elections. Her administration now controls both the executive branch and the state legislature.
• Other Policy Objectives: Spanberger plans to introduce additional liberal policies, including voting rights for felons, protections for same-sex marriage, and raising the minimum wage. She has also appointed Dr. Sesha Joi Moon as the chief diversity officer, raising concerns due to Moon's past comments regarding constitutional changes.
Governor Abigail Spanberger's first act in office was to repeal a significant immigration policy, stirring controversy about its implications for public safety in Virginia. This move, along with her commitment to various progressive initiatives, indicates a strong shift in the state's governance and priorities under her leadership.
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