Governor Abigail Spanberger has issued an executive directive ending Virginia's participation in the federal 287(g) program, removing several state agencies from agreements that delegated immigration-enforcement duties to ICE. The order says the agreements ceded too much authority to federal officials and affirms that Virginia law enforcement will enforce state law under valid judicial warrants. Republicans criticized the decision as moving the state toward sanctuary-like policies, while the administration says it allows law enforcement to refocus on core public-safety duties.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger Ends State Participation In ICE 287(g) Program
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ended agreements between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities.(Getty Images)
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday issued an executive directive ending the state's participation in the federal 287(g) program, formally ending cooperation between several state agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on delegated immigration enforcement tasks.
The directive terminates existing 287(g) agreements that had allowed state officers to perform certain immigration-related functions under ICE oversight. Agencies named in the order include the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Department of Wildlife Resources, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
Abigail Spanberger cheers during a campaign rally in Henrico County, Virginia, in September 2025.
"These Agreements improperly ceded discretion and authority over Virginia law enforcement to federal authorities," the order states. "I have full confidence that Virginia law enforcement agents are keeping Virginia safer when exercising their authority under Virginia law. Virginia always remains ready to enforce the law, and Virginia law enforcement will continue to exercise available authority under a valid judicial warrant."
The 287(g) program authorizes designated local officers to carry out specified immigration enforcement duties under ICE direction and supervision, such as identifying noncitizens in local jails to determine whether federal immigration authorities should assume custody.
Spanberger's office said the governor also rescinded a prior January order that had encouraged state and local law enforcement to deputize officers to act under ICE authority. In a news release, the governor's team said removing the directive allows agencies to refocus on "investigating crimes, enforcing state and local laws, and keeping Virginians safe."
State police officers stand in the parking lot after a mass shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia, Nov. 23, 2022.
Republican critics sharply attacked the move. In a statement, the Virginia Republican Party accused Spanberger of limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities and suggested the change could move Virginia toward "sanctuary" policies similar to those in New York and California. The party's statement said the decision shields criminals from accountability and diminishes available enforcement resources.
Spanberger's action comes amid a broader national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of state and local agencies in cooperating with federal authorities. The announcement also arrives as Virginia Democrats debate a slate of proposed tax measures, adding to a politically charged environment in the state.
Spanberger's office issued the directive and a public statement explaining the decision. Her office did not immediately provide further comment beyond the release.
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