Virginia Sanctuary City Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Executive Order 47 deputizes Virginia State Police to help ICE identify and arrest undocumented immigrants from February 27, 2025.
• Localities must cooperate fully with ICE or risk state funding loss under Youngkin’s ‘No Sanctuary Cities’ budget proposal, effective 2025.
• DHS removed Virginia’s 33 sanctuary jurisdictions from its list in June 2025 amid local confusion and policy challenges.

Virginia’s approach to immigration enforcement has shifted significantly in 2024 and 2025, with new executive orders, budget proposals, and law enforcement actions affecting undocumented immigrants and local governments. Here’s a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and the implications for pending and future immigration cases in the state.

Summary of What Changed

In early 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 47, which directs state law enforcement and corrections officers to work closely with federal immigration authorities. This order creates a special State Police Task Force made up of troopers who are given federal powers to help identify and arrest people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status and are subject to removal. The order also tells the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to sign a “Jail Enforcement Model” agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This agreement is meant to help find and process immigrants who can be removed from the United States 🇺🇸 and are being held in state or local jails.

Alongside this, Governor Youngkin introduced a “No Sanctuary Cities” budget proposal in December 2024. This proposal requires all local law enforcement, sheriffs, and jail directors to fully cooperate with ICE. They must notify ICE at least 48 hours before releasing any undocumented immigrant who has committed a crime. If a city or county does not follow these rules or tries to block cooperation with ICE, the state can withhold funding from them.

In June 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed its public list of “sanctuary jurisdictions,” which had included 33 localities in Virginia. This move followed complaints from some cities and counties about being labeled as sanctuary areas, especially when they believed they were following the law.

Who Is Affected

• Undocumented Immigrants: Anyone in Virginia without legal immigration status faces a higher risk of being identified, detained, and possibly deported, especially if they are arrested or come into contact with law enforcement.
• Local Governments: Cities and counties must now certify that they are fully cooperating with ICE. If they do not, they risk losing state funding.
• Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers: State and local officers are now required to work with ICE and follow new procedures for handling undocumented immigrants.
• Families and Communities: The changes affect families with mixed immigration status and may create fear or uncertainty in immigrant communities.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations that support immigrants are responding to increased enforcement and may challenge these policies in court.

Effective Dates

• Executive Order 47: Signed on February 27, 2025, and effective immediately.
• No Sanctuary Cities Budget Proposal: Introduced in December 2024, with funding threats and new requirements taking effect as local budgets are approved and implemented in 2025.
• Virginia Homeland Security Task Force Operations: Ongoing, with the latest data as of July 1, 2025.
• DHS Sanctuary Jurisdictions List Removal: Early June 2025.

Required Actions

For those affected by these changes, here are the main steps and requirements:

• State Police and Corrections: Officers are now deputized under Section 287(g) agreements, which means they have the authority to help ICE identify and arrest people who can be removed from the United States 🇺🇸. They must screen inmates for immigration status and notify ICE before releasing anyone with an immigration detainer.
• Local Jails: All local and regional jails must certify that they are cooperating with ICE in all enforcement and removal operations. If they do not, they could lose state funding.
• ICE Detainers: When ICE issues a detainer (a request to hold someone for immigration reasons), local authorities must notify ICE at least 48 hours before releasing the person.
• Task Force Operations: The Virginia Homeland Security Task Force continues to target and arrest people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally and are involved in violent or organized crime.

Implications for Pending Applications and Everyday Life

• For Undocumented Immigrants: The risk of detention and deportation has increased, especially for those who are arrested for any reason. Even minor contact with police or corrections officers can now lead to immigration consequences. If you or a loved one is undocumented, it is important to know your rights and have a plan in case of arrest.
• For Local Governments: Cities and counties must review their policies and make sure they are following state requirements. If they have any policies that limit cooperation with ICE, they may need to change them or risk losing funding.
• For Pending Immigration Cases: If you have a pending application for legal status, such as asylum or adjustment of status, increased enforcement may affect your case if you are arrested or detained. It is important to stay in contact with your immigration lawyer and keep all documents up to date.
• For Advocacy Groups: There may be new opportunities to challenge these policies in court, especially if they believe the state is overstepping its authority or violating due process rights.

Current Sanctuary City or State Status in Virginia

Virginia is not officially a sanctuary state. Governor Youngkin has made it clear that he does not want any city or county in Virginia to have sanctuary policies. However, some localities have adopted policies that limit how much they cooperate with ICE. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, 84 localities in Virginia had some form of sanctuary policy by late 2024. These policies can include things like not asking about immigration status during routine police stops or not sharing certain information with ICE.

Despite these local policies, the state government is putting more pressure on cities and counties to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities. The removal of the DHS sanctuary jurisdictions list in June 2025 has created confusion, as some local officials are not sure if their policies are allowed or if they are at risk of losing funding.

Specific Protections and Policies for Undocumented Immigrants

• State-Level Enforcement: Under Executive Order 47 and the “No Sanctuary Cities” budget, all law enforcement must cooperate with ICE. This includes giving ICE advance notice before releasing anyone with an immigration detainer and making sure all jails are following federal rules.
• Local Protections: Some cities and counties still have policies that limit cooperation with ICE, but these are under pressure from the state. There are no statewide laws that protect undocumented immigrants from being questioned about their status or limit cooperation with ICE.
• Legal Protections: There are no laws in Virginia that stop police from asking about immigration status or that limit how much they can work with ICE. Any local protections can be overridden by state or federal actions.
• Practical Effects: If you are undocumented in Virginia, any contact with law enforcement can lead to detention or deportation. This includes being arrested for minor offenses or even being held in jail for a short time.

Key Stakeholders and Recent Statements

• Governor Glenn Youngkin: He has said many times that “Virginia is not a sanctuary state” and has taken steps to make sure all localities cooperate with ICE. He has also threatened to take away funding from cities and counties that do not follow these rules.
• Attorney General Jason Miyares: He supports the governor’s policies and says that sanctuary policies make it harder for law enforcement to keep people safe. He believes sheriffs already have the power to work with ICE.
• Local Officials: Some local leaders say they are following the law and do not consider themselves sanctuary jurisdictions. They have asked for clearer rules from the state and federal government.
• Advocacy Groups: Groups that support immigrants say these policies create fear and make it harder for people to trust the police. They want policies that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation unless they have committed serious crimes.

Step-by-Step Procedures and Implementation

1. State Police and Corrections Cooperation: Officers are deputized under Section 287(g) agreements, which means they can help ICE identify and arrest people who can be removed from the United States 🇺🇸. They screen inmates for immigration status and notify ICE before releasing anyone with an immigration detainer. For more on 287(g), see the ICE official page.
2. Local Jail Certification: All local and regional jails must certify that they are working with ICE in all enforcement and removal operations. If they do not, they risk losing state funding.
3. ICE Detainers: When ICE issues a detainer, local authorities must notify ICE at least 48 hours before releasing the person. This gives ICE time to take custody if needed.
4. Task Force Operations: The Virginia Homeland Security Task Force works with federal, state, and local law enforcement to arrest people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally and are involved in violent or organized crime.

Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives

• Pro-Enforcement View: Supporters of the governor’s policies say that working with federal immigration authorities helps keep communities safe by removing dangerous criminals. They point to a 30% drop in homicides since 2021 and over 2,500 arrests of violent criminals who were in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally.
• Immigrant Rights View: Critics say these policies make immigrant communities afraid to report crimes or work with the police. They also say that the rules for what counts as a sanctuary city are not clear, which makes it hard for local officials to know what to do.
• Legal and Practical Challenges: The removal of the DHS sanctuary jurisdictions list has left some local officials confused about what is allowed. Some are asking for clearer rules and better communication from the state and federal government.

Background and Historical Context

The number of localities in Virginia with sanctuary policies has grown in recent years, reaching 84 by late 2024. However, there is no single definition of what makes a city or county a sanctuary jurisdiction. The Trump administration put more pressure on these localities, while the Biden administration has taken a less aggressive approach. In Virginia, Governor Youngkin has used executive orders and budget proposals to enforce cooperation with ICE, since lawmakers have not passed statewide laws on this issue.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

• Continued Enforcement: Virginia is expected to keep its strong enforcement policies, with ongoing operations by the Homeland Security Task Force and pressure on localities to work with ICE.
• Possible Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups may challenge these policies in court, saying they go too far or violate people’s rights. Local governments may also ask for clearer rules about what they must do.
• Policy Clarification: With the DHS list gone, there may be new efforts to define what counts as a sanctuary policy and to set clear rules for local governments.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• Virginia Governor’s Office: For executive orders and policy updates, visit governor.virginia.gov.
• Virginia Department of Corrections: For information on jail enforcement and ICE cooperation, see vadoc.virginia.gov.
• Virginia State Police: For updates on task force operations, visit vsp.virginia.gov.
• Department of Homeland Security: For federal immigration enforcement policies, check dhs.gov.

Key Facts and Figures (2024–2025)

• Virginia is not a sanctuary state.
• 84 localities had sanctuary policies by late 2024.
• The DHS sanctuary jurisdictions list was removed in June 2025.
• The State Police Task Force has made 2,512 arrests of violent criminals illegally in the United States 🇺🇸 as of July 1, 2025.
• Homicides have dropped by 30% since 2021.
• Localities that do not cooperate with ICE may lose state funding.
• As of February 2025, there were 950 people with open ICE detainers in the Virginia Department of Corrections.
• The total incarcerated population in VADOC was about 23,000 in January 2025.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• For Undocumented Immigrants: Be aware that any contact with law enforcement can lead to detention or deportation. Know your rights and have a plan in case of arrest. Consider reaching out to trusted advocacy groups or legal aid organizations for help.
• For Local Governments: Review your policies to make sure they comply with state requirements. Certify cooperation with ICE to avoid losing funding.
• For Families and Communities: Stay informed about changes in state and local policies. Support community members who may be affected by increased enforcement.
• For Advocacy Groups: Monitor the impact of these policies and consider legal challenges if you believe rights are being violated.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes in Virginia’s immigration enforcement landscape have created new challenges and uncertainties for undocumented immigrants, local governments, and advocacy groups. The removal of the DHS sanctuary jurisdictions list and the introduction of Executive Order 47 have made it more important than ever for affected individuals and organizations to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect their rights and interests.

For the most up-to-date information on the Virginia Department of Corrections’ role in immigration enforcement, visit the official VADOC website.

By understanding these changes and knowing what actions to take, individuals and communities can better prepare for the evolving immigration environment in Virginia.

Learn Today

Executive Order 47 → A 2025 order directing Virginia law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities under Section 287(g).
ICE Detainer → A federal request to hold someone in custody for immigration enforcement before release by local authorities.
Sanctuary City → A locality limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Section 287(g) → Federal program deputizing local officers to perform immigration enforcement tasks authorized by ICE.
Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) → State agency managing prisons, now cooperating with ICE to enforce immigration detention and removal policies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Virginia’s immigration policies shifted drastically by 2025 with Executive Order 47 empowering police collaboration with ICE. Local governments face funding risks if not cooperating. DHS dropped its sanctuary city list, creating local uncertainty. These enforce tighter immigration controls, impacting undocumented immigrants’ safety and community relations.
— By VisaVerge.com