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Trump’s Border Czar Threatens Increased ICE Operations in Virginia Over Sanctuary Policies
President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan has issued a stark warning to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, threatening to deploy more immigration enforcement teams to the state if her administration continues refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Homan criticized Spanberger’s policies that have limited collaboration between state agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including her February executive directive cutting off such cooperation.
“Elections have consequences,” Homan stated. “She ran on a law enforcement position that she was a career law enforcement person. She is a much different person now since she’s in that governor’s slot.”
The border czar specifically took aim at Spanberger’s decision to rescind the 287(g) program implemented by her Republican predecessor Glenn Youngkin. That program had authorized local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision, including identifying undocumented individuals in local jails and preventing the release of those with criminal records.
Homan expressed particular frustration with Virginia’s practice of releasing undocumented migrants accused of crimes without notifying federal authorities. “These people are in the country illegally, they commit a serious crime, public safety crime, and the local jurisdiction chooses to release them into the community rather than turning them over to ICE,” he said. “It’s ridiculous.”
If Virginia maintains its sanctuary policies, Homan promised consequences: “We’ll just send more teams into the streets, into the neighborhoods. Because we’re going to do the job that President Trump promised, to make his country safer again, especially against illegal aliens that committed other crimes while they’re here.”
The confrontation comes amid significant political headwinds for Spanberger. A recent Washington Post-Schar School poll revealed that 46% of Virginians disapprove of her job performance—the lowest approval rating for any Virginia governor since 1994. When questioned about these numbers, Spanberger deflected, saying, “The only poll that matters is my election, 17 point win, and now I’m doing the work for Virginians.”
The dispute between Homan and Spanberger reflects a larger national battle over sanctuary policies. The Department of Justice currently has lawsuits pending against several sanctuary jurisdictions, with Homan expressing confidence that federal authorities will prevail. “I think they’ll win them in the long run, because I think sanctuary cities are illegal,” he said.
Current Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who replaced Kristi Noem in March, has also stated that he believes sanctuary cities violate federal law. Homan praised Mullin’s leadership during a contentious period that has included a partial government shutdown affecting DHS funding, saying, “I think he’s the right guy, the right time, and the right job.”
Homan emphasized that while criminal migrants remain the priority for removal, no one in the country illegally should feel safe from deportation. “As I said from day one, if you’re in the country illegally, you’re not off the table,” Homan warned. “And if we find you, we’re gonna arrest you and deport you.”
This standoff between federal immigration authorities and Virginia represents one of the most visible conflicts in the Trump administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement. The administration has maintained that it will continue pursuing aggressive deportation policies regardless of resistance from state and local officials in Democratic-controlled jurisdictions.
Governor Spanberger’s office did not respond to requests for comment on Homan’s statements.
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9 Comments
I’m skeptical of threats to increase enforcement as a political tactic. However, I recognize the governor’s policies may create challenges for federal immigration authorities. This will be an interesting situation to follow.
I agree, it’s important to avoid political grandstanding and focus on pragmatic solutions that work for all stakeholders. Nuance and compromise will be key in this debate.
As someone who follows immigration issues, I’m curious to see how this unfolds. Balancing state and federal powers on this topic is never easy. I hope they can find a way to address concerns on both sides.
Increased ICE operations could lead to more confrontations and community tensions. However, the governor may feel this is necessary to uphold her policies. I’ll be interested to see how the situation evolves.
This is a difficult issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the authorities can find a way to address immigration enforcement while minimizing disruption to communities.
This is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. Securing borders while respecting civil liberties is an ongoing challenge. I’m curious to see how this plays out and what the real-world impacts are.
Agreed, it’s a delicate balance that requires careful consideration of all stakeholder interests. Transparency and open dialogue are key to finding a workable solution.
As a taxpayer, I’m concerned about the potential costs and resource drain of expanded ICE activity. But I also understand the need for secure borders. It’s a complex tradeoff without easy answers.
You make a fair point. The budget and staffing impacts will be important to monitor. Hopefully the authorities can find a solution that balances public safety with civil liberties.