Statement: Bills restricting ICE pass the legislature.
Today, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB 1441 (Lopez) & SB783 (Salim), addressing harmful collaboration agreements between local law enforcement and ICE that target our immigrant communities.
These bills severely limit current and future agreements between ICE and Virginia law enforcement agencies by imposing strict conditions on these contracts, including adherence to Virginia law and the Constitution, refraining from abusive tactics, and agreeing to be held accountable in Virginia courts.
They also prevent the diversion of local resources by restricting informal collaboration with ICE without a judicial warrant, thereby limiting assistance and non-mandatory communication with federal immigration authorities, making everyone safer.
When people in Virginia fear interactions with law enforcement due to their immigration status, it harms both them and the broader community. Families won’t seek out needed services, will fear taking their children to school, and will limit their participation in their communities.
This is an enormous victory for immigrants’ rights in Virginia and is the result of the hard work of immigrant leaders, immigrants’ rights organizations, and advocates across the Commonwealth. Thank you to the patrons and the legislators in both Chambers that took this monumental step to protect Virginia communities. We urge the Governor to sign this bill.
