Governor Youngkin proposes budget to ban sanctuary cities

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 10: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin visits "Fox & Friends" at Fox News Channel Studios on October 10, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

What we know

RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Glenn Youngkin unveiled a budget proposal Thursday aimed at preventing the establishment of sanctuary cities in Virginia. 

The plan would mandate local law enforcement to cooperate fully with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including notifying the agency 48 hours before releasing undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. 

Localities that fail to comply or enact sanctuary policies would face funding cuts.

Youngkin's stance against sanctuary cities

Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety by curbing policies he says obstruct law enforcement’s ability to work with federal authorities.

"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," Youngkin said in a press release. "Virginia is not a sanctuary state, and we must be clear that we will not allow localities to become ‘sanctuary cities.’ If local governments turn their backs on their citizens in order to pander to pro-illegal immigrant groups, we will cut off their funding."

Who else supports Youngkin's proposal?

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears underscored her support for the proposal by drawing on her own immigration story.

"My father and I had to file documents and wait to be granted permission to enter the United States. Under Governor Youngkin’s leadership, Virginia stands firm: we are not a sanctuary state," she said.

Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized sanctuary city policies, calling them a "failure of policy and a policy of failure." Miyares stated, "Sanctuary city policies serve neither the interests of Virginians nor their safety; they undermine public trust and do not merit state support."

Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole highlighted the broader safety risks. 

"Policies that hinder law enforcement’s ability to fully collaborate with federal authorities obstruct all efforts aimed at reducing illegal and harmful activities including gang violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal acts," Cole said.

Virginia's crime reduction success

Youngkin’s announcement adds to his administration’s broader public safety agenda, which includes Executive Order 41 and Operation Bold Blue Line (OBBL). 

So far, these efforts have contributed to double-digit decreases in violent crimes across targeted cities and an 11% reduction statewide.

In October, Youngkin launched a statewide partnership to combat gang violence, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, focusing on prevention and enforcement strategies. These efforts aim to continue reducing crime and supporting community safety throughout the Commonwealth.