Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears has publicly criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger’s proposal to rescind Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order that allows law enforcement collaboration with ICE, calling the plan ‘dangerous ideas.’ Earle-Sears dismissed Spanberger’s stance as ‘all theory; no practical usage,’ citing the successful crime reduction under the current administration. She emphasized that the people of Virginia would likely vote for her, reinforcing the importance of public safety as a key concern for the state.
Youngkin’s policy, which seeks to ‘maximize collaboration’ with the Department of Homeland Security, has been a focal point for both candidates. Earle-Sears argued that Spanberger’s pledge to overturn the order ignores critical developments in the fight against illegal immigrant gangs, such as the arrest of a high-ranking MS-13 member in Manassas. She pointed out that the No. 3 MS-13 leader, Henrry Josue Villatoro-Santos, was captured in the area, highlighting the effectiveness of current policies in addressing such threats.
Spanberger, meanwhile, accused the administration of diverting resources from essential public safety duties, arguing that the current policy encourages state officials to assume federal roles. She called for a reevaluation of the U.S. immigration system, which she described as ‘absolutely broken,’ and warned against the separation of families, which she claims is a misuse of resources. Despite these differences, both candidates have emphasized the importance of immigration reform, albeit from contrasting perspectives.
Youngkin responded to the controversy, emphasizing that Spanberger’s plan would lead to Virginia becoming a ‘sanctuary state for dangerous illegal immigrants.’ He challenged the clarity of the election, suggesting that the public would likely choose Earle-Sears due to her commitment to safety and effective policies. This debate underscores the growing national discourse on immigration and the role of state governments in federal immigration enforcement.