Virginia Democrat gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has pledged to rescind the state’s current immigration enforcement directives and turn Virginia into a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants if elected governor, evoking immediate backlash from Republicans and law enforcement advocates.
In an interview with the Virginia Mercury, Spanberger confirmed she would reverse Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order from February 2024, which instructed Virginia law enforcement agencies to fully cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and detaining illegal aliens.
Her announcement is being hailed by immigration advocates and progressive Democrats, but Republicans have accused Spanberger of putting illegal immigrants ahead of Virginians’ safety.
Spanberger Criticizes “Misuse” of Local Law Enforcement
Spanberger, a former CIA officer and current U.S. Representative, told the Mercury that using local law enforcement to support ICE operations diverts resources from more pressing public safety issues, including violent crime and community policing.
“The idea that we would take local police officers or local sheriff’s deputies in amid all the things that they have to do… so that they can go and tear families apart — that is a misuse of those resources,” Spanberger said.
While insisting the U.S. immigration system is “absolutely broken,” she argued that immigration detentions should meet the same legal standards as any other arrest, including warrants or judicial orders.
“They have to have a warrant to pick somebody up off the street, so they meet that same standard,” she said, adding that bypassing such protocols raises “constitutional concerns” and burdens local budgets.
Youngkin Fires Back: “Your Safety Is on the Ballot”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gov. Youngkin sharply criticized Spanberger’s position, framing it as a threat to public safety.
“In her very first act as governor, @SpanbergerForVA promises to turn Virginia into a sanctuary state for dangerous illegal immigrants,” Youngkin wrote. “@winwithwinsome promises to keep dangerous criminals off our streets. Could the choice be any more clear, Virginia?”
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running as the Republican gubernatorial nominee, echoed Youngkin’s sentiment and has vowed to continue his tough-on-crime and pro-ICE policies.
ICE Arrest Numbers and Budget Strain Highlighted
According to ICE data cited by Breitbart News, more than 4,100 illegal immigrants were detained in Virginia as of July 2025. Youngkin’s task force on immigration enforcement has reportedly tracked over 3,500 arrests under the executive order.
Spanberger also pointed to Prince William County, where she says local taxpayers once paid over $1 million annually to house ICE detainees under a federal-local partnership — a cost she calls unsustainable and unnecessary.
Republicans: “Illegals First, Virginians Last”
Spanberger’s comments have ignited a firestorm among conservatives. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) condemned her for siding with “illegal criminals” over Virginia families.
“Illegals first. Virginians last,” wrote NRCC press secretary Christian Martinez. “Democrat candidate for governor @SpanbergerForVA is proudly promising to make Virginia a sanctuary state for illegal criminals. This is the same level of radical as @ZohranKMamdani. Wake up, Virginia!!!” another GOP commenter posted.
A Defining Issue in the 2025 Governor’s Race
With public safety, immigration, and community trust in law enforcement taking center stage, immigration policy could become a deciding issue for many Virginia voters.
While progressives have applauded Spanberger’s vow to protect illegal immigrants from what they dismiss as overreach by federal authorities, critics warn her approach could endanger communities and undermine cooperation between local and federal law enforcement.
As November nears, the clash between sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement may become one of the most consequential — and divisive — debates in Virginia’s political landscape.
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I’ll bet dollars to donuts that she is not willing to take in a single one of those seeking ‘sanctuary’ into her own household but apparently has no problem with dumping them out in the rest of society.