Abigail Spanberger Repeals ICE Cooperation Order on First Day as Governor
Source: Newsweek
Published Jan 17, 2026 at 08:25 PM EST updated Jan 17, 2026 at 08:36 PM EST
Newly sworn in Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, rescinded her predecessor Republican Glen Youngkin's order that mandated state and local law enforcement must cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
"Federal authorities should enforce federal civil immigration laws—law enforcement in the Commonwealth should prioritize the safety and security of all residents in Virginia, the enforcement of local and state laws, and coordination with federal entities on criminal matters," Spanberger's order states.
Why It Matters
The nation has grown increasingly divided over the immigration operations carried out by the Trump administration through ICE, especially following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Democratic governors have proposed or pursued various means by which they believe they can limit ICE in their state, usually by telling local law enforcement they are under no obligation to cooperate with federal authorities; meanwhile, Republican governors and lawmakers have insisted that ICE are pursuing lawful orders and that law enforcement and local governments should cooperate.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/abigail-spanberger-repeals-ice-cooperation-order-virginia-youngkin-11377825
Excellent!
Congrats to Virginians for finally starting to end the reign of terror of the GOP (and Youngkin)!
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