Members of Virginia’s Republican congressional delegation have criticized Governor Spanberger’s decision to end the state’s participation in 287(g) agreements. These agreements allowed local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, specifically to identify and transfer individuals arrested for criminal offenses who are in the country illegally.
In a joint statement, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman John McGuire (VA-05), Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) said: “Governor Spanberger’s decision to terminate Virginia’s 287(g) agreements eliminates a proven public safety tool that helped ensure violent criminals and gang members in this country unlawfully were transferred to federal custody instead of being released back into our communities.”
They continued: “This was never about routine immigration paperwork. It was about identifying dangerous individuals already arrested for criminal offenses and ensuring they do not fall through bureaucratic cracks. Law enforcement officers deserve every available tool to protect Virginia families — not executive orders that tie their hands.”
The lawmakers added: “If the Governor believes she has a stronger alternative, she should present it. Until then, eliminating structured cooperation with federal immigration authorities weakens deterrence and sends the wrong signal to those who would exploit gaps in enforcement. Public safety must come before politics, and we will continue fighting to ensure Virginia remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The 287(g) program is authorized under federal law. It enables trained state and local law enforcement officers to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on cases involving illegal immigrants who have been arrested for criminal acts.
On February 5th, 2026, members of the Virginia Republican delegation sent a letter to Governor Spanberger outlining their concerns about threats from illegal immigration. The letter emphasized the need for cooperation between state and federal agencies on security matters.
Rob Wittman has represented Virginia’s 1st district in Congress since 2007 after serving previously in state government roles including the House of Delegates and Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors. Wittman was born in Washington, D.C., graduated from Virginia Tech in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree, and currently resides in Montross.
