Virginia Democrats Aim to Limit ICE, Federal Agencies' Immigration Enforcement

Lawmakers introduce bills to restrict federal immigration operations in the state

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Following the shooting death of a Virginia hospital nurse, state Democrats are attempting to rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies by introducing several bills. The proposed legislation would prevent ICE and other federal agencies from conducting immigration operations inside courthouses and near polling places, as well as restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement unless there is a valid judicial warrant.

Why it matters

This effort by Virginia Democrats highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement. While Democrats argue the aggressive tactics of federal agents put Virginians at risk, Republicans counter that the state has no jurisdiction over the federal government's law enforcement actions.

The details

The Virginia Democrats' bills aim to limit the ability of ICE and other federal agencies to operate within the state. One bill would prevent federal immigration enforcement inside courthouses and near polling places, while another would require local law enforcement to have a valid judicial warrant before cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Democrats say these measures are necessary to keep Virginians safe, but Republicans argue the state has no control over federal law enforcement.

  • On January 28, 2026, Virginia Democrats held a press conference to announce the proposed legislation.
  • A Senate committee advanced several of the bills on January 29, 2026.

The players

Del. Marcus Simon

A Democratic delegate from Fairfax, Virginia, who spoke at the press conference criticizing federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Del. Alfonso Lopez

A Democratic delegate from Arlington, Virginia, who said Virginians should never be intimidated or targeted when voting.

House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore

A Republican delegate from Scott County, Virginia, who opposed the Democrats' efforts, arguing the state has no jurisdiction over federal law enforcement.

Alex Pretti

A Virginia hospital ICU nurse who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minnesota while trying to help a woman who had been knocked to the ground.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that Democrats are seeking to limit the operations of within Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“'Alex Pretti, a VA hospital ICU nurse, was just trying to help a woman who'd been knocked to the ground, was shot in the back ten times by federal agents. He was shot like a dog in the street.'”

— Del. Marcus Simon, Democratic delegate from Fairfax, Virginia

“'Virginians should never be intimidated, silenced, or targeted when they show up to vote. Not by anyone, not ever.'”

— Del. Alfonso Lopez, Democratic delegate from Arlington, Virginia

“'I didn't know we were supposed to have illegals at a polling place. I didn't think illegals were supposed to vote in the first place. We have no jurisdiction in this area. The federal government — they have law enforcement, they have laws that they follow. Virginia has absolutely no say in what the federal government is doing.'”

— House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, Republican delegate from Scott County, Virginia

What’s next

A Senate committee advanced several of the Democrats' bills on January 29, 2026, including measures to put conditions on agreements between ICE and local law enforcement agencies, and to prevent ICE and other federal agencies from conducting operations inside courthouses.

The takeaway

This clash between Virginia Democrats and the federal government over immigration enforcement highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities on this issue. While Democrats argue the aggressive tactics of federal agents put Virginians at risk, Republicans counter that the state has no jurisdiction over the federal government's law enforcement actions.