Governor Youngkin’s Immigration Order: What’s Changing in Virginia?

Typewriter typing "Executive Order" on paper.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 47 directing state police and corrections officers to collaborate with ICE in removing dangerous criminal illegal immigrants from the Commonwealth.

Key Takeaways

Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 47 mandates Virginia State Police and Department of Corrections to partner with ICE through formal Section 287 agreements.
A specialized VSP Task Force with federally deputized officers will be created to identify and apprehend criminal illegal immigrants.
Virginia’s Department of Corrections will establish a Jail Enforcement Model Program to train corrections officers as Designated Immigration Officers.
The order has drawn criticism from immigration attorneys who warn it could lead to racial profiling and erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Currently, 946 inmates at VADOC facilities have open immigration detainers that could be affected by this enforcement directive.

Virginia Takes Strong Stance on Immigration Enforcement

Governor Glenn Youngkin has taken decisive action to strengthen Virginia’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities through Executive Order 47. The directive instructs the Virginia State Police (VSP) and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to enter into formal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. These agreements will allow state troopers and correctional officers to be deputized to perform certain immigration enforcement functions, expanding Virginia’s role in identifying and apprehending undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.

The executive order establishes two key programs: a VSP Task Force Model that will deputize state police officers to work with ICE in apprehending criminal illegal immigrants, and a VADOC Jail Enforcement Model Program that will train corrections officers as Designated Immigration Officers. The Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security has also been instructed to ensure that local and regional jails throughout Virginia fully cooperate with ICE operations. This comprehensive approach aims to create a unified state-federal partnership in immigration enforcement.

BREAKING: "Virginia’s Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin has directed the state’s police, sheriffs, and jails to cooperate with President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency."

"The state’s jails hold almost 1,000 deportable migrants, and “nine out of… pic.twitter.com/sVeOglxWv7

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) February 27, 2025

Governor Cites Public Safety Concerns

In announcing the executive order, Governor Youngkin emphasized his administration’s commitment to protecting Virginia residents from threats posed by criminal illegal immigrants. “As Governor, protecting our citizens is my foremost responsibility and today we are taking action that will make Virginia safer by removing dangerous criminal illegal immigrants from our Commonwealth,” Youngkin stated. The governor further declared that Virginia is not a sanctuary state, making it clear that his administration intends to fully enforce immigration laws in collaboration with federal authorities.

The order comes at a time when immigration enforcement has become a focal point of national debate. According to VADOC records, there are currently 946 inmates in state correctional facilities with open immigration detainers. Youngkin’s executive order aims to ensure that upon completion of their sentences, these individuals will be transferred to ICE custody rather than released back into Virginia communities. The VSP has also affirmed its support for the initiative, with representatives stating that partnering with other agencies aligns with their mission to provide security for the Commonwealth.

Concerns and Opposition

Despite the administration’s focus on public safety, the executive order has drawn criticism from immigration attorneys and advocates. Some legal experts warn that implementation of Section 287 could lead to racial profiling and undermine trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Attorney Alexander Miller expressed concern about the potential consequences, stating, “The bottom line is, this is a fear-based tactic and fear doesn’t fight crime. Trust does. This law destroys trust and puts everyone at risk.” The attorney went on to say, “It was tried in Virginia before in Prince William County. It cost the taxpayer an estimated $23 million over five years.”

Some business owners and economic analysts suggest that aggressive immigration enforcement could drive away both businesses and immigrant workers who contribute to Virginia’s economy. However, supporters of the order, including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, counter that public safety must be the priority, emphasizing the need to prevent violent crimes allegedly committed by individuals in the country illegally.

The executive order, which took effect immediately upon signing, aligns Virginia with other states like Georgia that have increased their collaboration with federal immigration authorities. As implementation begins, Virginians can expect to see increased coordination between state law enforcement agencies and ICE in the months ahead, marking a significant shift in the Commonwealth’s approach to immigration enforcement.