Virginia Gov. Youngkin threatens to pull state funding for sanctuary cities

Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin made several announcements regarding the state’s budget ahead of January’s legislative session. On Monday, Dec. 16, Youngkin emphasized that Virginia is not a sanctuary state and warned that local municipalities that fail to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deporting violent migrants would face cuts in state funding.

“And so, 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 no longer allow this to happen,” Youngkin said.

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Last week, the governor introduced a “No Sanctuary Cities” budget amendment that would require local law enforcement, sheriffs and jail directors to notify ICE agents 48 hours in advance before releasing an undocumented immigrant who has been accused of committing a crime.

Youngkin noted that some Democratic leaders in Virginia cities and counties have declared their localities to be “sanctuary cities.”

“Fairfax County, Alexandria, Arlington, City of Richmond, and we have to cooperate with ICE. When there is somebody in custody who has been accused and, by the way, convicted of a violent crime and they’re released because someone says ‘we’re not going to cooperate with ICE,’ that’s just flat wrong. This is common sense stuff,” he said.

Youngkin emphasized that elected officials must prioritize protecting their communities over supporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.

In response, the Arlington County Manager’s Office issued a statement to WJLA News saying, “Arlington County will comply with all legal requirements.”

Latino advocacy group CASA also released a statement criticizing Youngkin’s budget plan.

“Governor Youngkin’s budget plan does not protect Virginians — it divides us. It pits community members against one another, driving a wedge between law enforcement and the very people who contribute to making our state great,” the statement said. “It punishes cities for supporting immigrant families and breeds an atmosphere of fear.”

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Additionally, Gov. Youngkin announced a proposal to exempt service tips from Virginia’s state income tax, aligning with President-elect Donald Trump’s call to eliminate taxes on tips.

It remains unclear whether Virginia Democrats will support Youngkin’s proposal to remove taxes on tips.