Virginia gov promises ‘full cooperation’ with ICE to deport illegal immigrants
Virginia has joined a growing number of mostly GOP states in compelling their law enforcement officers to cooperate with federal authorities in deporting illegal immigrants. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 47, which mandates that state law enforcement and correctional agencies enter into formal agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide full cooperation in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants.
Citing federal law under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, Governor Youngkin emphasized the need to ensure that dangerous criminal illegal immigrants are not allowed to remain in communities where they could pose a risk to public safety. The executive order requires Virginia State Police to enter into a “287(g) Task Force Model Memorandum of Understanding” with ICE, creating a “State Police Task Force” to assist in identifying and apprehending criminal illegal immigrants.
The agreement gives these deputized officers special authority to perform immigration enforcement functions under the supervision of ICE. Additionally, the order tasks the state’s secretary of public safety and homeland security to ensure that local and regional jail authorities provide full cooperation with ICE, allowing Virginia Department of Corrections facilities to be used for immigration matters such as processing and detention.
In her support of the executive order, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor to succeed Youngkin, emphasized the importance of working together to address the issue of dangerous and violent illegal immigrants. She highlighted the tragic consequences that have resulted from allowing such individuals to remain in the country and expressed the need to send them back to their countries of origin.
The move by Virginia to compel cooperation with federal immigration enforcement reflects a broader trend among several GOP-led states to prioritize public safety and national security. By formalizing agreements with ICE and deputizing law enforcement officers to assist in identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, these states are taking proactive measures to address the challenges posed by undocumented individuals living in the country unlawfully.
As Virginia joins the ranks of states implementing such cooperation requirements, the impact of these measures on immigration enforcement and public safety remains to be seen. However, the decision to mandate collaboration with federal authorities underscores the commitment of state officials to uphold the rule of law and protect their communities from potential threats posed by criminal illegal immigrants.
