Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is proposing a budget to ban "sanctuary cities" in the state. It ensures tax dollars won’t go to areas that refuse to comply with ICE.
Under the plan, local police must honor ICE detainer requests for criminal illegal immigrants. They also have to notify federal authorities within two days of releasing such individuals.
Cities or counties identifying as sanctuary cities will lose state funding. This includes money typically used to support local police departments.
The Department of Criminal Justice Services, led by Youngkin appointee Jackson Miller, will oversee the withholding of "599 Funding" for these municipalities.
"Criminals who are in the United States illegally will be turned over to ICE," Youngkin told Fox News Digital. "Virginia is not a sanctuary state, and we will not allow localities to become sanctuary cities."
Youngkin emphasized that local governments catering to pro-illegal immigrant groups will lose state support. "We must stop the cycle of violence and crime," he said.
The proposal comes after violent crimes by illegal immigrants in Virginia. Recently, a jogger was sexually assaulted on a rail trail in Herndon.
Honduran national Denis Humberto Navarette-Romero was charged in the attack. He had prior arrests for auto theft and indecent exposure but was not detained by ICE due to Fairfax County’s policies.
In 2018, Fairfax Sheriff Stacey Kincaid limited ICE collaboration, requiring legal criminal detainers for holding inmates. Between July 2023 and July 2024, only three of 725 undocumented individuals in custody were transferred to ICE.
Arlington County recently voted to notify ICE only in cases involving gang members or severe crimes. Activists chanted, "ICE Out Of Arlington!" during the meeting.
Alexandria adopted a 2007 policy to avoid citizenship inquiries unless required by law. In 2017, Richmond’s mayor banned police from collaborating with ICE in most cases.
Youngkin’s administration insists the state Department of Corrections continues to honor ICE detainers. Federal officials like Tom Homan have vowed stricter measures against sanctuary cities.