Email from Senate of Virginia Banning Sanctuary Cities Banning Sanctuary Cities   Greetings, This week, Governor Youngkin announced a budget proposal aimed at banning “sanctuary cities” in Virginia and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used to support localities refusing to comply with federal immigration laws. The proposal would require local law enforcement and jail officials to fully cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers and notify ICE at least 48 hours before releasing an illegal immigrant who has committed a crime.   Under the proposal, localities that adopt sanctuary policies - those that hinder communication or cooperation with ICE - will face the loss of state funding. We must prioritize the safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth and stop localities from returning criminals who entered the country illegally back out into our communities to potentially commit more crimes. Recent cases in Virginia highlight the dangers of sanctuary policies: * November 2024: An illegal immigrant from Honduras with a criminal record dating back to 2022, including weapons charges, auto theft, and sexual assaults, attacked and raped a woman on a hiking trail in Herndon. Despite his criminal history, Fairfax County sanctuary policies allowed him to remain in the community. * July 2023: Another illegal immigrant from Honduras, arrested in Fairfax County on child sex crime charges, was released on bond after the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office ignored an ICE detainer. He was later re-arrested in February 2024 on additional charges related to child sex crimes. These crimes were preventable if localities had cooperated with ICE by notifying them prior to these individuals release. Sanctuary policies, however, actively impede federal law enforcement efforts and allow dangerous criminals to re-enter our communities. Several Virginia localities and jails have implemented these reckless policies in recent years, including: *Failing to record immigration status, *Ignoring ICE detainers, *Failing to notify ICE before releasing inmates, and * Not holding inmates for adequate time after notification of release to ICE. The consequences are severe. As of November 27, 2024, 945 inmates incarcerated in Virginia Department of Corrections facilities had an open immigration detainer. Among them: * 91% were convicted of violent crimes, *21% had murder as their most serious offense, and *41% had rape or sexual assault as their most serious offense. Governor Youngkin’s proposal mandates cooperation with ICE and pre-release notice and requires the Commonwealth to withhold 599 funding and jail per diem. This change will ensure local facilities fully comply with ICE detainers and provide sufficient notice to ICE before releasing an illegal immigrant who has committed a crime, allowing ICE adequate time to take custody of them before release. We must continue to prioritize reducing crime in the Commonwealth and keeping our communities safe. As always, my team and I are here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at 434.374.5129 or via email at [email protected].   Looking for something to do this holiday season: The holidays are a magical time to visit Virginia. From sparkling seasonal decor and festive winter markets to idyllic small towns and mountaintop cabins where you’ll find an abundance of rest and relaxation, Virginia offers holiday cheer for every type of traveler. Experience for yourself why Virginia is for Lovers. Vacation starts with VA Virginia is for Lovers   News Releases from Governor Youngkin: Virginia Named Business Facilities’ 2024 State of the Year Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces World’s First Commercial Fusion Power Plant Governor Glenn Youngkin to Commit Additional $50 Million to Accelerate Virginia’s Business-Ready Site Development Governor Glenn Youngkin Champions No Tax on Tips Click links below for more information State of the Year Commercial Fusion Power Plant Virginia’s Business-Ready Site Development No Tax on Tips 🎄 Only 8 Days Until Christmas! 🎄 As you finish checking off your holiday shopping list, remember to shop local! Supporting small businesses helps strengthen our community and keeps the spirit of the season alive right here at home. Whether it’s finding the perfect gift, enjoying a festive meal, or picking up holiday decorations, your local dollars make a big difference. Happy holidays, and thank you for supporting your neighbors! DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Tammy Mulchi | P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!