Staff Reports
Virginia has become a battleground in the fight over sanctuary city policies, with Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares leading efforts to crack down on jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Their campaign against sanctuary cities comes amid heightened concerns about transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua (TdA), which have been linked to violent crimes, drug trafficking, and human exploitation throughout the Commonwealth. The recent arrest of Henry Josue Villatoro Santos, a top MS-13 leader living in Northern Virginia, underscores the urgency of addressing these policies.
Youngkin’s “No Sanctuary Cities” budget proposal is designed to compel local governments to comply fully with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers. The plan includes withholding state funding from cities and counties that obstruct cooperation with ICE—a move aimed at ensuring public safety and reducing gang-related violence. Youngkin has been vocal about the dangers posed by sanctuary policies, arguing that they allow criminals to evade deportation and re-enter communities where they continue to pose threats. His executive order launching Operation Bold Blue Line further reinforces his commitment to making Virginia safer by targeting violent crime and illegal immigration.
Attorney General Miyares has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for local law enforcement to prioritize public safety over political agendas. Miyares has pointed out instances where sanctuary city policies have allowed dangerous individuals, including gang members, to avoid deportation due to local governments’ refusal to notify ICE. He has criticized certain jurisdictions in Northern Virginia for treating law enforcement as social work rather than focusing on prosecuting criminals. This lack of cooperation, he argues, undermines efforts to dismantle transnational gangs and protect vulnerable communities from exploitation.
Critics of Youngkin’s approach argue that sanctuary city policies are misunderstood and unfairly maligned. They claim these policies foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, enabling undocumented residents to report crimes without fear of deportation. Some studies suggest that sanctuary cities experience lower crime rates than their counterparts, challenging the narrative that these policies endanger public safety. Additionally, opponents contend that forcing local governments to enforce federal immigration laws violates constitutional principles under the 10th Amendment.
Despite these criticisms, Youngkin and Miyares remain steadfast in their belief that sanctuary city policies hinder effective law enforcement and jeopardize community safety. They argue that failing to cooperate with ICE enables criminals to exploit legal loopholes while victims suffer the consequences. Their proposed measures aim not only to hold local governments accountable but also to send a clear message: Virginia will not tolerate policies that prioritize political correctness over the security of its citizens.
As lawmakers debate Youngkin’s budget amendments, Virginia stands at a crossroads. The clash between sanctuary city advocates and proponents of stricter immigration enforcement reflects broader national tensions over public safety, immigration policy, and federal-state relations. Whether through legislative action or executive orders, Youngkin’s administration is determined to ensure that law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth work together in the fight against crime—a vision rooted in prioritizing the safety of Virginians above all else.
