Virginia Republican Congressional Delegation Responds to Governor Spanberger’s Termination of 287(g) Agreements

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman John McGuire (VA-05), Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) released the following statement in response to Governor Spanberger's Termination of 287(g) Agreements, which allows local law enforcement agencies to coordinate with federal immigration authorities to identify and transfer criminal illegal immigrants into federal custody:

"Governor Spanberger's decision to terminate Virginia's 287(g) agreements eliminates a proven public safety tool that helped ensure violent criminals and gang members in this country unlawfully were transferred to federal custody instead of being released back into our communities."

"This was never about routine immigration paperwork. It was about identifying dangerous individuals already arrested for criminal offenses and ensuring they do not fall through bureaucratic cracks. Law enforcement officers deserve every available tool to protect Virginia families - not executive orders that tie their hands."

"If the Governor believes she has a stronger alternative, she should present it. Until then, eliminating structured cooperation with federal immigration authorities weakens deterrence and sends the wrong signal to those who would exploit gaps in enforcement. Public safety must come before politics, and we will continue fighting to ensure Virginia remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family."

Background:

The 287(g) program, authorized under federal law, allows trained state and local law enforcement officers to work in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify and transfer illegal immigrants who have been arrested for criminal offenses into federal custody.