Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has taken significant action to tighten cooperation on immigration enforcement.
The governor signed an executive order enabling state and local law enforcement officers to assist federal immigration authorities in handling illegal immigration issues, Just The News reported.
Governor Youngkin, a Republican, signed the directive last Thursday, empowering state law enforcement agencies to work alongside federal authorities in combating illegal immigration. The executive order officially deputizes state police forces and instructs them to assist in the removal of unauthorized migrants and other enforcement activities.
The new order encourages cities and towns in Virginia to allow their local law enforcement agents to contribute to deportation and arrest efforts. Additionally, it tasks Virginia State Police with forging a memorandum of understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This collaboration will establish a State Police Task Force, with federally deputized officers. This order aligns with previous efforts under the Trump administration to address illegal immigration concerns more aggressively.
Gov. Youngkin articulated the rationale behind this new directive, emphasizing its potential to enhance community safety in Virginia.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin: As Governor, protecting our citizens is my foremost responsibility and today we are taking action that will make Virginia safer by removing dangerous criminal illegal immigrants from our Commonwealth. Dangerous criminal illegal immigrants should not be let back into our communities to assault, rape and murder. They should be sent back where they came from.
The governor has voiced his firm belief that ensuring public safety is a primary duty, and this order reflects his administration's commitment to this goal. Youngkin's emphasis on removing individuals with criminal backgrounds mirrors his concerns about them returning to the community and committing serious crimes.
This executive decision is part of broader measures to reinforce security at both state and national levels. By facilitating cooperation between local and federal entities, the state aims to streamline joint operations addressing these issues.
Officials are partnering with ICE to remove migrants who have entered the country illegally and are considered threats to public welfare.
Through this resurfacing collaboration with ICE, Virginia seeks to implement tougher immigration enforcement policies seen during former President Donald Trump's tenure. This initiative requires support from local jurisdictions, prompting cities and towns to empower their respective police departments in these operations.
The directive from Governor Youngkin specifically delegates authority to state officers to carry out ICE-assigned tasks. Cooperation between local and federal agencies stands to benefit enforcement strategies substantially.
As a result, federally empowered task force teams are anticipated to operate with increased effectiveness across the state.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin's executive order underscores a renewed focus on strengthening immigration law enforcement mechanisms in Virginia. By mobilizing state police and local agencies to collaborate more closely with federal officials, the state aims to address illegal immigration comprehensively and promote community safety. These measures align with a continued national dialogue on immigration law enforcement and public safety priorities.
