Governor Spanberger Establishes Principles for Virginia Law Enforcement, Signs Executive Order & Directive

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger - a former federal law enforcement officer - today issued an executive order establishing state law enforcement policy based on "principles and policies that have long served as the north star for Virginia law enforcement."

1. Law enforcement exists to preserve human life, protect people who are vulnerable, and uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia.
2. Public trust is a prerequisite to effective policing and should be fostered through professionalism, transparency, accountability, and consistent engagement.
3. Virginia law enforcement does not engage in fear-based policing, enforcement theater, or actions that create barriers to people seeking assistance in their time of need.
4. Virginia law enforcement efforts focus on upholding the rule of law, investigating and stopping criminal conduct, and protecting public safety, not the administrative enforcement of civil status.
5. Investment in training, recruitment, and retention of top-tier public safety professionals ensures that Virginia law enforcement is supported by clear standards and sound training necessary to serve safely and effectively with the public's trust.
6. Collaborative partnerships among local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement, residents, educators, faith and civic leaders, businesses, and local governments are essential for safe communities, a strong economy, and positive educational outcomes.

Governor Spanberger's executive order directs state law enforcement agencies to review all policies, training, and practices to confirm alignment with these standards. The Governor made the announcement today at a conference of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police in Henrico County.

"As a former federal law enforcement officer and the daughter of a career law enforcement officer, I know that effective policing is built on trust. Like so many of Virginia's law enforcement officers, I have serious concerns that chaotic federal law enforcement actions across the country are eroding years of trust built by our officers within the communities they serve," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "When state and local law enforcement are pulled away from investigating crimes and upholding our Virginia laws to do the job of federal agents, it weakens their ability to deepen trust within their communities. This contributes to a culture of fear and distrust that makes it harder for officers to do their jobs."

Governor Spanberger continued, "Today, Virginia is taking important steps to both reaffirm the core responsibilities of our officers and help build public trust in Virginians who wear the badge."

Click here to read the full text of Governor Spanberger's executive order.

Through an additional executive directive, Governor Spanberger today directed Virginia's state law enforcement agencies and divisions - Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia Conservation Police, and Virginia Marine Police - to terminate all existing 287(g) agreements with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE). These agreements placed Virginia law enforcement officers under federal control and supervision to conduct civil immigration enforcement.

Governor Spanberger said her administration has been closely reviewing agreements state law enforcement agencies were required to sign in 2025. These agreements forced Virginia law enforcement agencies to hand over their men and women to be supervised by ICE.

Click here to read the full text of Governor Spanberger's executive directive and read an excerpt below.

"At my direction, the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources engaged with stakeholders to identify and understand agreements previously entered into under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. These Agreements improperly ceded discretion and authority over Virginia law enforcement to federal authorities. I have full confidence that Virginia law enforcement agents are keeping Virginia safer when exercising their authority under Virginia law. Virginia always remains ready to enforce the law, and Virginia law enforcement will continue to exercise available authority under a valid judicial warrant."

BACKGROUND

On her first day as Governor, Governor Spanberger rescinded Executive Order 47 (2025), which forced state law enforcement - and encouraged local police departments and sheriff's offices - to deputize their officers to act as ICE agents. Governor Spanberger removed the directive that Virginia law enforcement agencies divert focus from their core responsibilities - investigating crimes, enforcing state and local laws, and keeping Virginians safe.

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