Youngkin Signs Order for Virginia's Immigration Enforcement

Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed Executive Order 47, directing Virginia law enforcement and corrections officers to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with federal immigration enforcement. The order establishes Section 287(g) agreements, allowing state and local officials to be deputized to help identify and apprehend undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Youngkin emphasized the need to protect citizens from 'dangerous criminal illegal immigrants' and stated that such individuals should be removed from communities. Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares supported the order, highlighting its role in enhancing public safety and the moral responsibility of law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration efforts. However, immigration advocates expressed concern over the potential negative consequences of this directive, urging a reconsideration of the approach. They argue that past experiences with similar agreements have led to significant community harm and distrust.