Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is facing mounting criticism from conservatives after signing Executive Order 16, a move many Republicans say further transforms Virginia into a de facto sanctuary state while obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Since taking office as the 75th governor of Virginia, Spanberger has repeatedly claimed she would “comply with federal law” and cooperate with lawful immigration enforcement. But critics argue her actions tell a completely different story.

The new executive order seeks to limit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities at state properties, hospitals, schools, and polling locations. The move comes after Spanberger’s first executive directive rescinded state agency law enforcement agreements with ICE that had previously been implemented under former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Conservatives say the pattern is becoming impossible to ignore. First, cooperation with ICE gets dismantled. Then enforcement restrictions expand. Then comes legislation limiting what law enforcement officers can even wear while carrying out operations. Somehow the people enforcing the law always become the problem in Democrat politics — never the people breaking it.

Supporters of stronger immigration enforcement argue these policies only encourage illegal immigration while making communities less safe and placing additional burdens on taxpayers, schools, healthcare systems, and law enforcement agencies across Virginia.

The criticism has become especially intense in Northern Virginia, where concerns about illegal immigration and sanctuary-style policies continue growing among conservative voters. Calls for large-scale deportation operations and increased federal intervention are becoming louder as frustration rises over what many see as deliberate obstruction of immigration law enforcement.

Republicans argue the federal government must step in aggressively to restore immigration enforcement cooperation and prioritize the safety and interests of American citizens over political activism designed to shield illegal aliens from deportation.

For conservatives, the issue is ultimately about sovereignty, public safety, and restoring respect for the rule of law — principles they believe are non-negotiable if Virginia is going to remain secure and accountable to its citizens.