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Spanberger Repeals Youngkin Order Directing Virginia Police to Cooperate With ICE

Her new directive says officers should prioritize core public safety duties rather than enforcing federal civil immigration laws.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 17: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signs executive orders after being sworn into office at the Virginia State Capitol January 17, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. Spanberger is the first woman elected to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s highest office. The executive orders focused on affordability for residents of Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Sworn in Saturday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the rescission on her first day as part of a package of 10 executive orders.
  • Former Governor Glenn Youngkin's Executive Order 47 had instructed the Virginia State Police and Department of Corrections to pursue 287(g) agreements with ICE and urged local jails to certify cooperation.
  • The repeal removes the state-level push for 287(g) partnerships and refocuses state agencies, leaving decisions about any voluntary local cooperation to individual jurisdictions.
  • Spanberger campaigned on reversing EO 47 and argued that diverting local officers to federal civil immigration enforcement misuses limited resources needed for investigations, jail staffing, and community policing.
  • Republican critics, including former Attorney General Jason Miyares, warned the change will harm public safety, while immigrant advocacy groups praised the move as supportive of community trust.