Virginia Lawmakers Propose Bills to Limit ICE Arrests at Courthouses, Hospitals, and Schools

Proposed legislation would require judicial warrants for ICE agents to make arrests at certain public facilities.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Virginia House of Delegates and state Senate are considering bills that would make it illegal for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to make arrests without a judicial warrant at facilities like courthouses, hospitals, and schools. The proposed legislation would also place restrictions on ICE activity near polling places and election recounts.

Why it matters

The bills are a response to recent incidents of ICE detainments at courthouses and other locations across Virginia, raising concerns about access to public services and the integrity of the judicial system and elections. The legislation aims to protect vulnerable populations and ensure due process by requiring ICE agents to obtain proper judicial authorization before making arrests at sensitive public facilities.

The details

The proposed House Bill 650 would prohibit ICE agents from making arrests at courthouses, state-owned facilities, hospitals, schools, and other public buildings without presenting a valid judicial warrant to local authorities. Employees who knowingly allow ICE agents to enter these facilities without a warrant could face criminal penalties. The bill also includes provisions to require public colleges and universities to notify students, faculty, and staff of any ICE presence on campus, as well as restrictions on ICE activity near polling places and election recounts.

  • In July 2025, ICE agents made 16 detainments at the Chesterfield Courthouse in Virginia.
  • On February 6, 2026, the House Committee on Public Safety combined multiple bills into proposed House Bill 650.
  • On February 10, 2026, the merged bill was read for the first time in the Virginia House of Delegates.

The players

Katrina Callsen

Democratic delegate from Albemarle County and chief patron of House Bill 650.

Irene Shin

Democratic delegate and chief patron of proposed House Bill 1260, which was incorporated into House Bill 650.

Alfonso Lopez

Democratic delegate and chief patron of proposed House Bills 1440 and 1442, which were incorporated into House Bill 650.

Jackie Glass

Democratic delegate and chief patron of proposed House Bill 1265, which was incorporated into House Bill 650.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.