From CASA:
Lawmakers advance bills limiting ICE’s power in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. — Three key bills are moving forward in Virginia’s legislature, marking a major step toward stronger community safety, fairer courts, and more accountable law enforcement. At a time of growing federal overreach, including recent events in Minnesota, Virginia lawmakers have an opportunity to act now to reduce any harm in the Commonwealth.
The legislative package is advancing through the General Assembly, with bills moving to the Senate floor and to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Then update the bill list to:
- SB 783 – Ending 287(g) agreements and limiting local collaboration with ICE (heading to Senate Finance and Appropriations)
- SB 351 – Limiting civil immigration arrests in courthouses (heading to the Senate floor)
- SB 352 – Requiring law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves while on duty (heading to Senate Finance and Appropriations)
“These bills mark a historic step for Virginia families and for liberty,” said Christian Martinez Lemus, CASA Research and Policy Analyst. “For too long, immigrant and working-class communities have lived in fear of arbitrary arrests, family separation, and uncertainty in our courthouses. These measures put public safety first while protecting the dignity, freedom, and constitutional rights of every Virginia resident. We commend the senators on the Courts of Justice committee for voting to strengthen community safety and trust for all.”
“For the past year, the Trump administration has made Virginia the epicenter of its brutal anti-immigrant agenda, but today lawmakers showed that the Commonwealth can push back against ICE.” said ACLU of Virginia Policy Director Chris Kaiser. “This legislation will protect our communities, restore trust in Virginia law enforcement, and send a clear message that Virginia will not play a part in ICE’s violent campaign to tear families apart.”
Pablo H., an immigrant from Nicaragua, a Chesterfield resident, and a CASA member, shared what’s at stake: “Today, many families like mine live in constant fear—fear of going to work, driving to hospitals, or even seeking justice in court. Showing up to courts can lead to our families being broken apart. We worry that a simple interaction with authorities will lead to family separation. By ending 287(g) agreements, requiring judicial warrants in courthouses, and ensuring officers are clearly identifiable, these bills allow law enforcement to focus on safety rather than creating fear. When we remove the threat of civil arrest from our daily lives, we strengthen our economy and our community’s peace of mind. I respectfully ask you to vote YES so our families can live with the dignity we deserve.”
What the bills would do:
- End 287(g) agreements and block local immigration enforcement: Local and state agencies would no longer use resources to enforce federal immigration laws, letting them focus on community safety and building trust.
- Reform courthouse arrests: Civil arrests would require a judicial warrant, cutting the risk of arbitrary detention and ensuring due process.
- Require law enforcement to identify themselves: Officers would have to clearly show who they are while on duty, boosting accountability and community confidence.
Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President of 32BJ SEIU and Chair of the Virginia State Council added, “Virginia voters spoke clearly in November, and their message has been heard. We support and applaud Democratic lawmakers for taking decisive action to protect immigrants who make our Commonwealth and our country stronger. Through meaningful legislation, they are requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves, ending harmful local collaboration with ICE, and ensuring critical protections for people in state and local courts. These actions reflect the will of the voters and reaffirm Virginia’s commitment to dignity, safety, and justice for all.”
“Virginia is setting an example,” said CASA Lead Organizer in Virginia, Hector Joya. “These bills show it’s possible to protect civil rights, keep communities safe, and strengthen trust with local and state institutions. This is a win for families and for fairness across our Commonwealth. Lawmakers must use this momentum to advance these bills forward to the Full Senate Floor.”
The bills are sponsored by Senator Salim. The bills now head to the senate floor. CASA representatives and community members, including Pablo H., are available for interviews. For updates, visit wearecasa.org/virginia.
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