Abigail Spanberger Repeals ICE Cooperation Order on First...

By Peter Aitken

Politics Weekend Editor

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Newly sworn in Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, rescinded her predecessor Republican Glen Youngkin's order that mandated state and local law enforcement must cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

"Federal authorities should enforce federal civil immigration laws—law enforcement in the Commonwealth should prioritize the safety and security of all residents in Virginia, the enforcement of local and state laws, and coordination with federal entities on criminal matters," Spanberger's order states.

Why It Matters

The nation has grown increasingly divided over the immigration operations carried out by the Trump administration through ICE, especially following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.

Democratic governors have proposed or pursued various means by which they believe they can limit ICE in their state, usually by telling local law enforcement they are under no obligation to cooperate with federal authorities; meanwhile, Republican governors and lawmakers have insisted that ICE are pursuing lawful orders and that law enforcement and local governments should cooperate.

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What To Know

Spanberger, who is the first woman to hold the office of governor in Virginia, was sworn into office on Saturday. She defeated Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, who had backing from President Donald Trump.

Following her inauguration, Spanberger got right to work and signed Executive Order No. 10 (2026), which rescinded directives under Youngkin's Executive Order No. 47 (2025) that required and encouraged state and local law enforcement to "divert their limited resources for use in enforcing federal civil immigration laws," according to Spanberger's order.

"Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, I hereby rescind Executive Order No. 47 (2025), which is not an appropriate use of state or local resources," Spanberger wrote.

The order is effective upon its signing, which was done by Spanberger and Secretary of the Commonwealth Jennifer B. Moon.

What People Are Saying

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger at her inauguration: “As we write this next chapter, we will focus on the security and safety of all our neighbors. We we will take action to prevent gun violence, to support Virginians struggling with addiction, and to address the mental health crisis impacting our kids and our neighbors. And in Virginia, our hard working, law abiding immigrant neighbors will know that when we say that we will focus on the security and safety of all of our neighbors, we mean them too.”

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson on X: "CNN found there were more ICE impersonation incidents in 2025 than the prior 4 presidential terms combined. It's not hard to see why. I requested a bill establishing that if you're not a law enforcement officer, you can't be wearing something that gives the impression you are."

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Friday: "When the Governor or the Mayor threaten our officers, when the Mayor suggests that he's encouraging citizens to call 911 when they see ICE officers, that is very close to a federal crime," adding, "If you impede the work we're doing... We're coming after you."

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