April 14, 2025
Contact: Debra Freeman, [email protected]
The promise of America is based on a set of fundamental freedoms that continue to draw people to our nation today. All of us–regardless of immigration status–are due the freedom to worship without fear, to travel throughout our communities, access opportunities for our families, and love who we choose.
However, the recent executive order known as 287 (g) signed by Governor Youngkin takes away these freedoms by enabling law enforcement to become de facto immigration agents in Virginia by allowing Virginia State Police and the Department of Corrections to partner with the federal administration on immigration enforcement.
Law enforcement would have overarching power to question people about their immigration status and issue detainers for an additional 48 hours to allow time for ICE staffers to arrive, among other immigration apprehension duties. This executive order is wrong on many levels. Not only does it make people reluctant to report crime and create a level of fear in our communities, the order redirects resources that would actually address legitimate safety concerns in neighborhoods around the state.
“State resources should not be used to enforce federal immigration law. There are federal courts and officials who do that. Virginia resources should be used to keep us all safe and build strong communities across all backgrounds and languages,” said NVM co-executive director Jon Liss.
NVM is vehemently against any policies that unjustly penalize immigrant communities, and we will actively work with elected officials and allies to protect immigrant rights and work towards creating common sense policies that protect, not target, the people of Virginia.
***
New Virginia Majority builds power in working-class communities of color, in immigrant communities, among LGBTQ people, women, youth, and progressives across the Commonwealth. We organize for racial and economic justice through large-scale political education, mobilization and advocacy around dozens of issues. We fight for a Virginia that is just, democratic and environmentally sustainable. For more information, visit our website and follow us on X and Facebook at @NewVAMajority.