Virginia curbs ICE cooperation
Virginia’s General Assembly passed measures this week limiting local law‑enforcement cooperation with ICE—an outcome advocates say was won through sustained organizing and could serve as a policy model for other states. Organizers point to the vote as a live case study for sanctuary and rapid‑response campaigns. (cbs19news.com)
Senate Bill 783, filed under the 2026 regular session and carried by Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim with multiple Democratic co‑sponsors, bars state and local agencies from entering or renewing federal immigration‑enforcement agreements unless they meet strict conditions and require written approval from the attorney general. (legiscan.com) House Bill 1441, sponsored by Del. Alfonso Lopez, forbids state and local law‑enforcement officers from assisting federal immigration enforcement except when presented with a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or detainer, and the measure passed the House on recorded votes of 63–35. (lis.virginia.gov) House Bill 650 creates “protected places” by prohibiting federal civil immigration arrests inside courthouses, within 40 feet of polling locations while the electoral board meets, and at state‑owned hospitals, schools and public college campuses. (lis.virginia.gov) Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued an executive order in early February directing state agencies to end participation in the federal 287(g) program and rescinding the previous administration’s directive that encouraged state cooperation with ICE. (newsleader.com) SB783 cleared the Senate on Feb. 17 and the conference report was agreed to by the Senate on March 14 by a 21–19 margin after the House had already acted on companion language. (legiscan.com) State immigrant‑rights organizations We Are CASA and the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights issued March 14 press releases celebrating the package as a legislative win and noting the bills were headed to Gov. Spanberger’s desk. (wearecasa.org) Under Virginia law Gov. Spanberger has 30 days to sign, veto, or amend the measures—until 11:59 p.m. on April 13—with the General Assembly scheduled to reconvene on April 22 to consider any actions she takes. (vpm.org)
