“CASA stands with Virginia’s immigrant communities and calls on the Governor to reconsider this dangerous proposal.”

See below for a few reactions to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s announcement today that “Virginia is not a sanctuary state,” and that he plans “to propose adding language to the state budget that is intended to stamp out ‘sanctuary cities,’ local governments that decline to comply with requests from federal immigration agents.” VA Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell nails it in his response:

• “What [Youngkin] will do, by trying to inflame the public on this issue, is disincentivize crime victims and cooperating witnesses from participating in investigations to solve actual violent crime”

Sen. Surovell adds that Youngkin’s doing this in an election year to “distract from his failures.”

Also, see below for a response from CASA, which argues, “By targeting localities like Richmond and Fairfax, which have chosen to prioritize trust and public safety by not proactively cooperating with ICE, Governor Youngkin’s proposal puts lives at risk” – and adds:

“Governor Youngkin’s budget plan does not protect Virginians—it divides us. It pits community members against one another, driving a wedge between law enforcement and the very people who contribute to making our state great. It punishes cities for supporting immigrant families and breeds an atmosphere of fear.”

Bingo.

CASA Opposes Governor Youngkin’s Budget Proposal Targeting Immigrant Communities

“Trust is the foundation of any safe community, and this policy erases that,” says CASA’s Virginia Director Luis Aguilar.

RICHMOND, Va – In response to Governor Youngkin’s budget proposal banning sanctuary cities in Virginia, CASA released the following statement from Luis Aguilar, Virginia Director:

“CASA stands firmly against Governor Glenn Youngkin’s harmful budget proposal, which seeks to penalize Virginia cities and counties for fostering trust between the Commonwealth of Virginia and its diverse communities. This plan is misguided, threatening public safety. Having TRUST policies in place means community members, no matter what they look like or what country they are from, can feel safe reporting crimes to police, taking their children to school, and getting treated at a hospital. We can’t undermine the very values that make Virginia strong: the strength of our workers — the beautiful families that love calling Virginia home.

“Immigrants are essential to the fabric of our state. We are your workers, your neighbors, your caregivers, and your students. Our culture, vibrancy, belonging has been embraced for so long. From the factories to our hospitals and homes, immigrants are the backbone of our economy and society.

“By targeting localities like Richmond and Fairfax, which have chosen to prioritize trust and public safety by not proactively cooperating with ICE, Governor Youngkin’s proposal puts lives at risk. How can we expect anyone, immigrant or otherwise, to reach out to law enforcement in times of need when they fear deportation or discrimination? Trust is the foundation of any safe community. Without it, victims of crime will remain silent, and witnesses will turn away, leaving dangerous situations unreported and unaddressed.

“Governor Youngkin’s budget plan does not protect Virginians—it divides us. It pits community members against one another, driving a wedge between law enforcement and the very people who contribute to making our state great. It punishes cities for supporting immigrant families and breeds an atmosphere of fear.

“CASA stands with Virginia’s immigrant communities and calls on the Governor to reconsider this dangerous proposal.” Nerbir Rodríguez lives in Fairfax County and was instrumental in passing the county’s TRUST policy. This father of three children owns a landscaping and gardening business boasting six employees. He’s enjoyed living in Virginia these past 17+ years, raising his children and growing its economy.

CASA member Nerbir shares, “For many years in Virginia we have fought to pass laws in favor of our immigrant community, such as driver’s licenses in the Commonwealth and the TRUST policy in Fairfax County. However, with this proposal to end those programs, I feel unsafe and afraid knowing that I may be at risk of deportation, and that my family may be separated. We do not want these types of racist laws in our state, since what they do is generate hatred for our community, seek to erode our strength as workers, and dilute the economic contributions that our families make to this nation.”

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With over 173,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its power-building model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members.