Legal expert unleashes on Spanberger’s new executive order targeting ICE: ‘Political theater’
Governor of Virginia Abigail Spanberger directs state employees to request legal authorization from federal immigration agents operating on state property, prompting one legal expert to be turned away.
Specifically, in an executive order signed Tuesday, Spanberger asks state employees to obtain a valid arrest warrant from federal agents on “Commonwealth property” and instructs them to “not allow” federal agents to use those areas as staging or processing sites.
Voting locations will also be included in the instruction.
Spanberger’s move continues Democratic efforts to test Borders between state and federal power are exploring what roadblocks they can legally create to curtail Trump’s immigration-fighting methods.
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Governor Abigail Spanberger speaks during the bill signing ceremony held at Highland Springs High School on May 18, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia.
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Constitutional expert Hans von Spakovsky of Advancing American Freedom believes Spanberger’s order is tokenism and knows it is an overreaching attempt to create requirements for institutions over which he has no authority.
“This is political theater,” Spakovsky said. “First of all, no permit is required under federal immigration law to detain individuals.”
“And it’s a completely unnecessary provision. In fact, there is a provision in federal law that prohibits an Army or Navy officer or any person in the civil service of the United States from holding office.” polling places unless they’re there to vote,” Spakovsky added.
he pointed out to restrictions Under 18 USC 592.
Spanberger first announced the executive order Monday when asked about concerns about how Trump might use federal agents in the coming period. elections.
“How worried are you about him sending the military, the National Guard, and even ICE to polling places, and what, if anything, can you do to stop him?” Spanberger was asked at an event Hosted by MS Now.
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Governor Abigail Davis Spanberger laughs during a ceremony at a courthouse in Richmond, Virginia.
“The truth is that we have seen efforts in this direction throughout history. It scares voters. My concern is that we will continue to see these increase,” Spanberger replied.
“I will issue guidance on how to do this in public spaces, including polling places Virginia state employees may react “Basically to federal agents who might show up in a location where there’s concern that they’re there to intimidate or intimidate people,” Spanberger said.
Especially Spanberger vetoed a separate bill This would completely prohibit ICE from making detentions at hospitals, schools, courthouses, and polling places without a judicial warrant or subpoena, stating that such a ban would likely lead to a legal challenge.
“I veto House Bill 650, which would create unavoidable legal liability for security personnel and local law enforcement when evaluating federal immigration enforcement activities in certain protected areas,” Spanberger wrote.
Spanberger’s new executive order comes on the heels of these states: new York and California have taken more direct attempts at the state level to restrict federal immigration activities.
Democratic Government in New York. Kathy Hochul He’s asking lawmakers to pass legislation that would ban ICE from entering schools, libraries, polling places and homes without a warrant.
massachusetts Tried something similar.
There, Gov. Maura Healey asked lawmakers in January: take into account legislation This would prevent ICE from entering courthouses, schools, child care programs, hospitals and churches.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has tried to introduce legislation to block ICE from entering courthouses, schools, child care programs, hospitals and churches.
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These state-level requirements lack the power to bind federal agencies or their operations.
Interior Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized Spanberger’s executive order in a statement to Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
“It’s no surprise: Governor Spanberger continues to put illegal alien criminals before his own constituents,” Mullin said.
Original article source: Legal expert explains Spanberger’s new executive order targeting ICE: ‘Political theater’
