Immigration Enforcement in Virginia: 2025 Update
Immigration enforcement has been highly visible across Virginia this year. Federal agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have carried out arrests in courthouses, at traffic stops, and during targeted operations. These actions, along with new state directives, have prompted both cooperation and concern.
What is ICE?
ICE is the federal agency that enforces immigration laws inside the United States. Officers investigate, detain, and deport people without legal status or accused of certain immigration violations. ICE is separate from local police, but often seeks cooperation from state and local agencies.
State Actions
In February, Virginia’s governor issued an order directing state police and prisons to work more closely with ICE. Local agencies have responded differently: some sheriffs pledged cooperation, while others have taken a more cautious approach.
Courthouse Arrests
One of the most visible shifts has been ICE activity at courthouses. In Chesterfield and Richmond, people attending hearings have been arrested by ICE agents.
Judges, clerks, and immigrant advocates have raised concerns about whether courthouses should be used for immigration arrests. For some, this is necessary enforcement. For others, it undermines trust in the legal system.
Community Response
Community organizations and advocacy groups have organized rallies, issued public statements, and called for limits on cooperation with ICE.
- Richmond businesses have posted 'Know Your Rights' signs.
- The ACLU of Virginia has challenged conditions at ICE’s Chantilly Field Office.
- Local residents and officials have voiced concerns about the impact on families and neighborhoods.
Impact in Virginia
Reports this fall show ICE arrests in Virginia have risen sharply compared with past years. Critics note that many of those detained have no violent charges. ICE, however, emphasizes its focus on public safety and law enforcement.
“Courthouse sweeps have turned places of justice into places of fear.” — Virginia Mercury, June 27, 2025
Recent Coverage in Virginia (2025)
- Washington Post · Feb 27, 2025 · Virginia governor orders state police, prisons to cooperate with ICE
- VPM News · Feb 27, 2025 · Youngkin issues immigration enforcement order
- VPM News · Feb 28, 2025 · Local law enforcement’s plans for cooperating with ICE vary
- FFXnow · Mar 3, 2025 · Immigrant advocates decry order for Virginia State Police, local jails to assist ICE
- Washington Post · Mar 5, 2025 · ICE arrests in Northern Virginia fall short of rumors but rattle residents
- Virginia Mercury · Mar 6, 2025 · Despite profiling concerns, more law agencies are joining street-level immigration enforcement
- Axios Richmond · Jun 26, 2025 · ICE ramps up immigrant arrests in Virginia courthouses
- ACLU of Virginia · Jun 26, 2025 · ICE Can’t be Allowed to Corrupt Virginia’s Judicial System
- Virginia Mercury · Jun 27, 2025 · ‘Hallowed ground, desecrated’: ICE sweeps at Chesterfield court draw fierce backlash
- VPM News · Jul 21, 2025 · Ongoing courthouse ICE detentions raise concern in Chesterfield; clerk says arrests may be unlawful
- Axios Richmond · Jul 24, 2025 · Richmond-area immigrants face ICE arrests at routine check-ins and courthouses
- VPM News · Jul 31, 2025 · ICE raid sparks fear and uncertainty in Richmond’s immigrant community
- Virginia Mercury · Aug 1, 2025 · FOIA Friday: Reports show not all recent ICE detainees in Virginia had violent charges
- Virginia Mercury · Aug 11, 2025 · Protesters in Richmond call for ban on local cooperation with ICE after wave of detentions
- Virginia Mercury · Aug 27, 2025 · Spanberger vows to scrap Youngkin’s immigration order if elected governor
- Axios Richmond · Aug 27, 2025 · “ICE is not welcome here”: Richmond businesses post Know-Your-Rights signs
- FFXnow · Aug 29, 2025 · Advocates allege ‘degrading’ conditions at ICE office in Chantilly
- ACLU of Virginia · Sep 4, 2025 · ACLU-VA to ICE: Immediately Remedy Washington Field Office Conditions in Chantilly, Virginia
- WTOP · Sep 5, 2025 · Allegations of ‘inhumane’ treatment prompt ACLU of Virginia to demand changes at Chantilly ICE Field Office
- VPM News · Sep 11, 2025 · ICE arrests in Virginia soar under Trump crackdowns
- Washington Post · Sep 12, 2025 · ICE holding facilities overcrowded amid surge in arrests; Chantilly, Va. office under strain