Spanberger vows to rescind Youngkin ICE order, Earle-Sears objects
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears has spoken out against her 2025 gubernatorial opponent Abigail Spanberger’s plan to rescind an executive order that allows law enforcement and jailers to work with ICE in certain situations. Earle-Sears, in an exclusive interview, dismissed Spanberger’s proposal as “dangerous ideas” that lack practical application.
Under Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s order, collaboration with DHS is prioritized to facilitate the arrest and deportation of criminal illegal immigrants. Earle-Sears highlighted the success of this approach, citing a significant drop in statewide crime during her tenure. She also pointed to the capture of a top-ranking MS-13 member in Manassas as evidence of the effectiveness of their strategy.
Spanberger, on the other hand, criticized Youngkin’s order for diverting resources from local law enforcement and interfering with federal responsibilities. She described the U.S. immigration system as “broken” and expressed concerns about the impact on families and communities.
Earle-Sears defended the partnership with DHS, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe environment for Virginians. She highlighted her own immigrant background and stressed the difference between legal immigration for opportunity and the criminal activities of illegal immigrants with prior records.
Youngkin echoed Earle-Sears’ stance, contrasting Spanberger’s promise to create a sanctuary state with their commitment to keeping dangerous criminals off the streets. He emphasized the clear choice facing voters in November and the implications of Spanberger’s proposed policy shift.
As the gubernatorial race heats up, the debate over immigration policy continues to be a key issue for Virginia voters. The contrasting approaches of the candidates highlight the divergent paths the state could take depending on the outcome of the election.
