Virginia Governor Defends Immigration Policies, Dismisses Criticism

Spanberger pushes back on claims that Virginia is a 'sanctuary state' and disputes poll showing her low favorability

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A cinematic painting of a state capitol building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows casting a somber mood over the scene, conveying the weight and gravity of political power.The stately facade of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond stands as a symbol of the political tensions and partisan debates that have defined the early days of Governor Spanberger's administration.Richmond Today

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has broken her silence on several controversial issues, including her decision to undo her predecessor's 287(g) cooperation agreement with the Department of Homeland Security. Spanberger claims Virginia is not a sanctuary state and dismisses a poll showing her with the lowest governor favorability rating in decades, saying the 'only poll that matters' is her election victory.

Why it matters

Spanberger's actions on immigration enforcement have drawn criticism from some, who claim her policies have enabled crimes by illegal immigrants. The governor's stance on these issues could have significant political implications, both for her own standing and the broader debate over sanctuary cities and states.

The details

Spanberger says her executive order was simply to prevent Virginia State Police from being placed under the supervision of ICE, not to ban all cooperation with federal immigration authorities. She says her Department of Corrections still provides a monthly list of noncitizens in custody to DHS, and that Virginia will assist ICE if they have a warrant. Spanberger also pushed back on a poll showing her with the lowest net-favorability rating of any governor, saying 'the only poll that matters' is her election victory.

  • Spanberger took office as Virginia's governor in January 2026.
  • On March 31, 2026, a bill banning 287(g) agreements without a judicial warrant arrived on Spanberger's desk.
  • Spanberger made these comments shortly after exiting the Executive Mansion in Richmond.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The current Governor of Virginia, elected in 2025.

Glenn Youngkin

Spanberger's predecessor as Governor of Virginia.

Saddam Salim

A Democratic state senator who introduced a bill to restrict 287(g) agreements in Virginia.

L. Louise Lucas

The President of the Virginia State Senate, who Spanberger endorsed for a controversial redistricting effort.

Todd Lyons

The Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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What they’re saying

“Virginia is not a sanctuary state — full stop.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

“I never I thought in my whole career, someone would campaign on going against law enforcement, right... Elected officials like the governor want to give me a call and work with us, that's what we want.”

— Todd Lyons, Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

What’s next

The Virginia legislature is expected to vote on the 287(g) restriction bill that has arrived on Governor Spanberger's desk.

The takeaway

Spanberger's stance on immigration enforcement has become a major political flashpoint, with critics accusing her of enabling crimes by illegal immigrants while she defends her policies as upholding public safety and the rule of law. The outcome of the 287(g) legislation and Spanberger's ability to navigate these contentious issues could have significant implications for her political future.