Virginia Governor Proposes Sanctuary City Ban

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is proposing a ban on 'sanctuary cities' in his budget, which would restrict state funding for localities that do not comply with federal immigration enforcement, particularly regarding deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. Youngkin argues that sanctuary policies jeopardize public safety, allowing potentially dangerous individuals to remain in communities. His proposals have faced pushback from local leaders, including Richmond's Mayor Levar Stoney, who accuses him of adopting a Trump-like stance and warns that the Democratic-controlled state legislature may block the ban. Additionally, Youngkin is advocating for a tax exemption on tips to support the service industry, which has been struggling economically. The governor's stance reflects a broader Republican alignment on immigration issues, emphasizing enforcement over sanctuary policies. Despite resistance from some local officials, Youngkin remains firm on the necessity of cooperation with ICE to protect Virginians.