May 20, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
NVM Applauds Progress in Immigration Bill Signed by Governor Spanberger
Richmond, Va. - NVM applauds Governor Spanberger signing a bill that will prohibit law enforcement officers from using face masks to conceal their identity into law, and this is a step forward to creating better safety protocols for the immigrant community. However, the governor also vetoed a bill that would ensure civil immigration arrests without a warrant cannot take place in courthouses, schools, and hospitals. This bill was borne out by engaging with impacted Virginians and stakeholders, and was a tangible step to creating a safer Virginia for immigrant communities.
While we applaud the governor signing the bill to require officers to show their face and to use visible identification while on duty, there is still a deep need to address fears that immigrant communities have about existing in public spaces. All of us, regardless of immigration status, should be able to go to school, attend court hearings, and participate in community and civic activities without fear of arrest or deportation.
“We appreciate the governor recognizing the need to require that those in law enforcement need to clearly identify themselves while on duty-transparency is essential to making all Virginians feel safer in their communities. However, there is still work to be done, and vetoing a bill that would directly impact our immigrant neighbors is a shortcoming that needs to be addressed. At NVM, we will continue to defend our immigrant members and communities on every level of government, and to organize members in our local chapters throughout to support mutual aid, civic engagement, and stand with our neighbors,” said Jon Liss, NVM co-executive director.
“As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the veto of House Bill 650. This decision does not address the fear within our communities or take into consideration the emotional well-being of our children at school. Today, many students attend school burdened by anxiety and uncertainty regarding the safety of their families, and the fear that ICE may be lurking in the very places where they learn and interact with friends and teachers. Schools must not welcome ICE. Instead, schools must remain spaces of learning, stability, and safety," said Elda Oralia, NVM member.
###
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.