In a bold move, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a stern warning to sanctuary cities within the state, vowing to cut off their state funding if they fail to cooperate with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
As reported by The Post Millennial, Youngkin made this announcement on Fox, where he discussed a piece of legislation he recently initiated. This legislation mandates all local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with ICE and other federal authorities on matters related to the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants.
In the wake of recent violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants in Virginia, Youngkin declared, If you don't cooperate with ICE when there's a detainer in place, I'm going to go to work and take your funding away in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are not a sanctuary state. We will not, we will no longer allow this to happen, and we're going to work together to make sure that we keep Virginians safe."
Youngkin's office released a statement on December 12, in which the governor announced a 'No Sanctuary Cities' budget proposal. This proposal obliges local law enforcement, sheriffs, and jail directors to fully comply with ICE detainers and notify ICE 48 hours before releasing an illegal immigrant who has committed a crime. Furthermore, the proposal threatens to withhold funding from localities that claim to be 'sanctuary' cities or enact practices that hinder cooperation with ICE.
In the release, Youngkin asserted, Criminals who are in the United States illegally will be turned over to ICE. We must stop the cycle of violence and crime that is being enabled by some local governments."
The governor's stance comes in response to recent incidents in Virginia involving illegal immigrants with extensive criminal records being released from jail, only to commit further crimes. One such case involved Denis Humberto Naverrette Romero, 31, who was charged with abduction with the intent to rape in late November after allegedly abducting someone from a Virginia trail. Romero, an illegal immigrant with a lengthy criminal history, had been released by Fairfax County authorities, as per Fox News.
ICE has criticized Fairfax County officials and law enforcement for failing to honor multiple ICE detainer requests in Virginia, as per ABC7. Governor Youngkin's actions underscore his commitment to public safety and law enforcement cooperation, reflecting a conservative perspective that prioritizes individual freedom and limited government interference.
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