Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is doubling down on efforts to address the growing migrant crisis in his state by proposing legislation that would ban sanctuary cities and require localities to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
“Virginians have been suffering,” Youngkin said in a recent statement. “Every state is now a border state, and the Biden administration has unleashed chaos. If localities refuse to comply with ICE, I will take away their funding.”
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Youngkin’s proposal seeks to change existing state law, requiring local officials to cooperate with ICE detainers rather than leaving it as an option. The move aims to ensure that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is notified before the release of undocumented individuals charged with crimes.
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears voiced strong support for Youngkin’s proposal during an interview on Fox News Saturday. “The governor’s intent is simple: keep Virginians safe,” she said. “How could that be controversial?”
Sears highlighted recent incidents involving undocumented individuals accused of violent crimes in Virginia, including abduction with intent to rape and murder. “We were elected to protect Virginians, and we’re going to do our jobs,” she added.
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Not all lawmakers are on board. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) has criticized the proposal, arguing that it could deter victims and witnesses of crimes from coming forward. “This would disincentivize crime victims and cooperating witnesses from participating in investigations,” Surovell said.
Sears dismissed these criticisms, stating, “Ask Virginians if they want violent criminals released into their communities. The answer is a resounding no.” She accused opponents of prioritizing political agendas over public safety.
The proposed legislation will face challenges in the Virginia General Assembly, but Youngkin and Sears are optimistic. “Let lawmakers vote against something so rooted in common sense,” Sears said. “The people of Virginia deserve safe communities, and we will fight to make that a reality.”
The initiative has gained traction among Virginia residents who are concerned about rising crime. “Who wouldn’t want their children safe? Who wouldn’t want their communities secure?” Sears said, adding that the issue transcends political divides.
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As a legal immigrant herself, Sears emphasized the importance of fairness in the immigration process. “We don’t even know who half of these people are,” she said. “The border should have been secure from the start. It’s not about denying rights—it’s about protecting citizens and ensuring public safety.”
With the legislative session approaching, the proposed sanctuary city ban is set to ignite debate in Virginia’s political arena, reflecting a broader national conversation on immigration and public safety.
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