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Karen Siracusa | Published on 9/22/2025

Immigration Enforcement in Virginia: What’s Happening in 2025

Immigration enforcement has become a visible part of life in Virginia during 2025. Federal agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have carried out arrests in courthouses, at traffic stops, and during targeted operations across the Commonwealth. These actions, combined with new state directives, have led to a mix of support, concern, and questions from communities.

What is ICE?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws inside the United States. Its officers investigate, detain, and deport people who are in the country without legal status or who are accused of certain immigration violations. ICE works separately from local police, but in many cases the agency seeks cooperation from state and local law enforcement.

State Actions

In February 2025, Virginia’s governor issued an executive order directing state police and prisons to cooperate more closely with ICE. That order has shaped how local agencies respond to ICE requests, though individual jurisdictions have taken different approaches. Some sheriffs and local officials have pledged cooperation, while others remain cautious about their role.

Courthouse Arrests

One of the most visible changes this year has been ICE activity at courthouses. People attending hearings in Chesterfield and Richmond reported arrests by ICE agents in and around court buildings. Judges, clerks, and immigrant advocates raised questions about whether courthouses—traditionally open to all—should be places where immigration arrests take place. These arrests have drawn strong public response, with some calling it a necessary enforcement tool and others saying it undermines trust in the justice system.

Community Pushback

Community groups, advocacy organizations, and some elected officials have organized rallies, issued statements, and called for limits on cooperation with ICE. In Richmond, businesses have posted “Know Your Rights” information. The ACLU of Virginia has formally challenged conditions at ICE’s Chantilly Field Office, citing concerns about treatment of people held there.

Data and Impact

Reports in September indicated that ICE arrests in Virginia have risen sharply in 2025 compared with previous years. Critics say the majority of those arrested do not have violent criminal charges, while ICE officials emphasize that their focus is on public safety and law enforcement. The debate highlights the tension between federal enforcement priorities and the effects felt by Virginia families and neighborhoods.