Public Comments for 02/06/2026 Public Safety - Subcommittee #3
HB1260 - Publ. elementary/secondary schools, etc.; fed. immigration investigation and enforcement activities.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
Hello, my name is Francesco. I am a student at Charlottesville High school VA. I am one of many English learner high school students and I'm here to ask for your support for EL funding. Our families need help with better translation services and better understanding of school policies. For example they need better explanations of why their son/daughter is absent, tardy, or late in class.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
The Justice and Witness Action Network – Virginia of the United Church of Christ supports HB1260. Targeting immigration enforcement activities to sensitive areas like schools has a chilling effect on our communities. Targeting the most vulnerable among us is neither moral nor just, and our residents should be able to go about the daily business of a civilized society without fear. We urge you to put safeguards in place to protect our schools by voting for HB1260.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein
VACP and VACLEA respectfully OPPOSE HB 1260 as currently drafted. This legislation is: • Constitutionally preempted under binding Supreme Court precedent • In direct conflict with federal cooperation statutes (8 U.S.C. §§ 1357, 1373) • Violates sworn oaths of Virginia law enforcement officers (Va. Code § 49-1) • Mandates professional ethics violations under universally adopted IACP Code of Ethics • Creates life-threatening operational compromises through mandatory notification requirements • Exposes officers and agencies to federal criminal and civil liability • May violate FCC regulations governing emergency alert systems • Legally invalid and indefensible under established constitutional doctrine HB 1260 places Virginia law enforcement in an impossible legal position, forcing officers to choose between conflicting legal obligations and exposing them to personal liability for implementing state-mandated procedures that violate federal law. HB 1260 is constitutionally preempted under binding Supreme Court precedent. In Arizona v. United States, 567 U.S. 387 (2012), the Court struck down Arizona provisions that attempted to regulate federal immigration enforcement operations, holding that immigration regulation is an exclusively federal power under Congress’s naturalization authority (Art. I, § 8, Cl. 4). HB 1260 undermines federal law by: • Creating procedural obstacles to federal immigration enforcement operations • Alerting targets of federal investigations through mandatory mass notification • Requiring judicial warrants beyond federal statutory requirements • Interfering with federal operational discretion and enforcement priorities 8 U.S.C. § 1373 explicitly prohibits states from restricting communication with federal immigration authorities. 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)(10) explicitly authorizes state and local law enforcement cooperation. HB 1260 prohibits access to nonpublic areas without “a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate.” This requirement conflicts with federal immigration enforcement authority. HB 1260 requires notification to all school employees and parents (K-12) or all students, faculty, and staff (higher education) whenever federal immigration enforcement presence is “confirmed” on school or campus property. This mandatory, system-wide alert: • Compromises operational security for sensitive federal investigations • Risks tipping off potentially dangerous targets • Increases danger to federal officers, school resource officers, campus police, and bystanders • Facilitates flight, evidence destruction, and witness intimidation • Reveals federal enforcement priorities and tactics to subjects of investigation 47 C.F.R. § 11.45 (Emergency Alert System): Prohibits transmission of EAS codes or Attention Signals “in any circumstance other than in an actual National, State or Local Area emergency or authorized test of the EAS.”
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights supports this bill.
I am Chelsea Dunn Torrey, the Legal Director of the Youth Justice Program at the Legal Aid Justice Center, and I submit this comment in support of House Bill 1260. Since the federal government rescinded the sensitive locations policy in 2025, our team has been traveling across the Commonwealth holding Know Your Rights presentations for families and children—some as young as five years old—because they are afraid of what might happen if immigration enforcement comes into their schools. When kindergarteners are asking what to do if “ICE comes to my classroom,” something is deeply wrong. SB 1260 works to address this problem, by mandating that schools provide notice to families when immigration authorities are present on campus and requiring that school prohibit immigration enforcement on campus without a valid warrant. It provides complementary protections to other similar legislation being considered this year, specifically the Virginia Education Access & Privacy Act (House Bill 836). We urge you to support this bill.
I hope you read this article regarding education for social studies. Thanks https://www.baconsrebellion.com/excluding-social-studies-from-accountability-to-preserve-inquiry-is-mistaken/
As parents and grandparents, we should be able to send our children to school with confidence and assurance that they are in a protected environment conducive to learning and developing life skills. The possibility of school facilities being invaded by agents investigating for immigration violations and using children as a way to get to those who may be in true violation of immigration laws is ludicrous. These are innocent children and are in no way responsible for any real or perceived violations. The potential presence of ICE officers on a school campus invites dangerous circumstances that can threaten the liberty and life of our children and those charged with their protection when on school property. The bulk of this bill addresses the need for accountability for appropriate general school safety and disaster planning, which I am in full support of. I believe it is appropriate to consider the potential for ICE agents to invade the public school arena as a threat to the safety of our children. There is no valid reason for this to happen. In my opinion, this Bill does not go far enough, only requiring a warrant for Immigration agents to invade. I would urge that an amendment be made to not allow Immigration agents on campus at all.
ICE should not be allowed on school grounds.
HB1262 - Va. Consumer Protection Act; advertisement for immigration assistance services, civil penalties.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
HB1264 - Virginia Accountability Commission; established.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
This bill should be bipartisan and only for the benefit of the citizens, not government officials and corporations.
When did our state government decide that they do not have to follow our Constitution of the United States of America? The 2nd Amendment is an individual right under the Constitution that states clearly that it shall not be infringed on which in simple terms means that no government official or group has the ability to take a person's right to keep and bear arms in the United States of America. This Amendment was so important to our forefathers that it is the second thing they wrote to establish that the government does not have the ability to take your right to defend yourself against all enemies and this includes a tyrannical state government that doesn't understand plain text that our country was founded on. It doesn't matter what others opinions or feelings on the subject of the right to bear arms is because it is my right and not their's that we are talking about at this time. As a society of individuals in our country that have never agreed on things of this nature since the invention of the modern firearm we have to look no farther than our own Constitution to see that this is not a collective right of certain people that agree or disagree with the principle of firearms but infact a Constitutional right of an individual to determine there views of their personal right to bear arms. With the world in the state it is in at our present time this Constitutional right is needed more then ever because we are facing people that think that the can completely ignore the Constitution and its not even on a national level but a state level. This is also a truly sad moment of our state that is the founding place for our country as it exists from the time that we settled in this new land of an unknown world at the time but to disrespect our founding Document that started it all on top of it is the worst thing that could happen in our state for these elected officials to look at the Bill of Rights and say to themselves that those Amendment are not worth following because I have a different opinion, belief or feeling on that Amendment that I am personally going to take the individual right of every person in Virginia just because I don't want to follow these Amendments as they are written. Do you understand how this is being a tyrannical government just like the British were when they were trying to control the entire population at the time that we had the Revolution in this great land to start this great country. When people say that the 2nd Amendment is dated and need to be revised but can see the actual beauty in how our forefathers predicted that this Amendment would be necessary throughout time to even to the year 2026 were we have a government that is looking at this exact Amendment and saying no we don't have to follow that anymore because we have all these people that don't like the fact that a free person of the United States of America can purchase anything that has to do with their ability to not only protect themselves in self defense but also to protect themselves from the tyrannical government that is before us today. I'm sorry but as a person that has no affiliation to a political party or any other organization on this subject in our country I believe in our Constitution and the Amendments that were written in the Bill of Rights to protect myself, my family and my friends from people that think that they know what is best for everyone in our country on the basis that they either think they are smarter, richer or elected.
HB1265 - Courthouses; certain civil arrests prohibited, definition, penalty
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
Bills: HB1265 (Glass) and HB650 (Callsen) Position: SUPPORT Courthouses must function as neutral, accessible spaces where individuals can participate in legal proceedings without fear of unrelated civil enforcement actions. HB1265 and HB650 are essential to preserving access to justice and due process in the Commonwealth by prohibiting civil arrests in courthouses and establishing enforceable protections. Legal and empirical research demonstrates that the threat of civil arrest—particularly immigration enforcement—in or around courthouses has a documented chilling effect on court participation. Individuals who fear arrest are less likely to appear for hearings, serve as witnesses, comply with court orders, or seek protective relief, undermining both due process and judicial efficiency (Eagly, 2019; Kohli et al., 2011). In Virginia, these impacts are especially acute in General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Courts, where survivors seek protective orders, parents appear in custody matters, and tenants and workers pursue basic legal remedies. When individuals avoid court out of fear, cases are delayed or dismissed, warrants may issue for failure to appear, and victims and witnesses are effectively silenced. This does not enhance public safety—it weakens it. Virginia’s court system depends on voluntary participation to function effectively. Research shows that enforcement activity in civic spaces erodes trust in legal institutions and reduces cooperation with courts and law enforcement, particularly in immigrant communities (Eagly, 2019). This erosion directly conflicts with the Commonwealth’s interest in efficient case resolution and community safety. Importantly, prohibiting civil arrests in courthouses does not prevent lawful enforcement elsewhere. Instead, it draws a clear boundary that protects the integrity of court proceedings. Jurisdictions that separate civil enforcement from courthouse activity report improved court appearance rates and increased willingness of victims and witnesses to engage with the justice system (Kohli et al., 2011). HB1265 and HB650 reinforce courthouse neutrality, strengthen due process, and support public safety by ensuring that access to justice is not conditioned on a person’s immigration status or vulnerability to civil enforcement. I respectfully urge the committee to report both bills favorably and protect our neighbors here in Virginia. Eagly, I. V. (2019). Immigration enforcement and access to justice. UCLA Law Review, 66, 100–170. Kohli, A., Markowitz, P. L., & Chavez, L. (2011). Secure Communities by the numbers: An analysis of demographics and due process. Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy.
The Justice and Witness Action Network – Virginia of the United Church of Christ supports HB1265. As people of faith, we are deeply disturbed by the abuse of basic human rights and the constitutional violations being perpetrated in our communities by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. ICE is terrorizing our immigrant population, the vast majority of whom are NOT criminals. The way arrests are being carried out creates an atmosphere of distrust between residents and local law enforcement officials. Targeting of individuals at courthouses is especially egregious, because if immigrants fear that showing up in court may result in detention and possible deportation, our justice system itself becomes compromised. People are afraid to show up for routine legal hearings. Victims are afraid to report crimes, witnesses won’t show up to testify – leading to further erosion of public safety and creation of a climate of fear that destabilizes our entire community. Our courthouses should be safe spaces that are off limits to ICE. We urge you to vote yes on HB1265 to protect everyone’s access to Virginia’s judicial system.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.
The Virginia State Conference supports HB 650 HB 221 HB 1265
HB1438 - State agencies, etc.; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement, prohibitions.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
HI my name Abdulazeez I am from Charlottesville. I am writing to you to urge you to support HB 1440 Comprehensive sensitive places bill - this bill prohibits ICE entry of ICE into VA-owned schools, hospitals, and prosecutor's offices. thank you!
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I am writing to encourage the passage of all possible legal remedies to protect our immigrant neighbors from indiscriminant and inhumane enforcement of federal immigration law, especially HB 1438 and HB 650. The first is particularly important to prevent local and state law enforcement from being distracted from their fundamental responsibility to protect the people of the Commonwealth and enforce its laws. Moreover, our state and local law enforcement officers should not have their respect in the community undermined by cooperation with federal agencies that have, under the current administration, displayedegregious disregard for the human and constitutional rights of people living in the United States, for due process, and ordinary procedures for investigating charges of misconduct. HB 650 is equally significant. People should not be afraid of participating in court proceedings by the prospect of arrests unrelated to those proceedings and should be fully protected from arrest without the due process enumerated in this bill.
Dear Subcommittee Members, I strongly urge you to support Delegate Guzman’s proposed legislation HB 1438. We need clear, sturdy guardrails to keep DHS, the US Border Patrol, and ICE in check in Virginia. Sadly, we cannot depend on the federal government to rein these agencies in. After all, it is the Trump Administration that is unleashing them to brutalize immigrants and peaceful protesters and trample the rule of law. Let’s show the rest of the country how Virginia protects Virginians and respects the human rights of anyone within our borders. Thank you, Mark Jackley
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
The Justice & Witness Action Network – VA of the United Church of Christ supports the passage of HB1438. Assigning federal immigration enforcement duties to our local and state law enforcement officers breaks the trust between these officers and the communities they serve. It also diverts police resources away from protecting and serving our communities. The recent unchecked violence and disregard for the basic dignity of life shown by federal immigration agents underscores the urgency of drawing a clear separation of duties between these agencies and local law enforcement. People should not be afraid to contact the police to report crimes or seek assistance. As a justice-seeking Christian faith community, we urge you to vote yes on HB1438.
I strongly support HB 1438 to end contracts with ICE. Local and state resources should be used to keep communities safe and united, not to support federal immigration enforcement that causes fear, family separation, and harm. Ending these contracts is an important step toward justice, accountability, and community trust.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
This country has for 250 years survived on the importance of the bill of rights. The 4th amendment is unquestionable and inarguable. A judicial warrant, signed by a judge is the standard for entering residences/places of business and arresting/apprehending someone. ICE is routinely trying to circumvent this with internal memos indicating that their agents only need an "administrative warrant" to conduct these blatantly illegal operations. Even then, video has shown ICE and CBP often not even try to use any warrant to disappear people, abduct people, brutalize and murder people. Renee Good and Alex Pretti were the ones to make headlines. We don't even fully understand what's happening behind the scenes and in their internment camps but videos circulated by defense attorneys have shown horrors upon horrors. If we have the ability to deny ICE from conducting its terror and brutality we must exercise that ability. This is literally the bare minimum of rights afforded to anyone in this country's borders and we have a responsibility to uphold them. No state or local employee should do anything for ICE without and explicit and signed judicial warrant.
I support HB1438. Law enforcement officers in Virginia are not trained in civil immigration enforcement. And that is all law enforcement, from state troopers to local police and sheriffs to park rangers and game wardens. Asking them to enforce and help with civil immigration enforcement is dangerous because they don’t have the training or time to learn another set of civil codes. And it takes away from them serving their communities. My taxes pay for Virginia law enforcement to enforce Virginia laws. They serve and protect my community. Please vote yes on this bill. It won’t interfere with federal immigration authorities serving judicial warrants as local law enforcement already respect and follow judicial warrants. It will keep our officers serving us.
I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.
I oppose these bills as it is the job of law enforcement to uphold the laws of the United States and to protect and serve the citizens of Virginia. Citizens is a key word that is misinterpreted in these bills.
Oppose Why are you creating dangerous situations in Virginia’s communities and cities? It is disgraceful that the leftists care more about getting criminals and illegal criminals on their side rather than protecting law abiding citizens in Virginia. This is a shameful way to get votes ! Where were you when former President Obama deported masses of illegal immigrates? Silent and did not care. What a double standard on the left every time. Please stop causing trouble and harm to our lives.
I write to express my emphatic support for HB1438, relating to agencies of the Commonwealth; law-enforcement agencies; employees and officers; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement; prohibitions and limitations. Federal cooperation agreements, or 287(g) agreements, create a de facto national police force by allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deputize state law enforcement agencies to conduct immigration enforcement. Under this program, numerous state and local law enforcement agencies have received federal funding to conduct street-level immigration enforcement, execute ICE warrants, and question detainees about immigration status - all actions which would otherwise be legally impermissible. 287(g) agreements unconscionably limit constitutional police powers reserved to the states by extending federal authority to influence and control state law enforcement. This trend is particularly troubling in Virginia, where not only local law enforcement agencies but the state Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) have acquiesced to conducting federal immigration enforcement. DWR officers have broad authority to stop, question, and detain people on public lands and waterways. In fact, DWR's largest expense by far is in law enforcement, towards which the Department spent 25.1 million dollars in 2025 alone. Deputizing conservation officers to conduct immigration actions departs from DWR's mission to "Conserve, Connect, and Protect" the Commonwealth's wildlife and natural resources. Instead, funds restricted to use for conservation programs and responsibilities are being diverted to pay conservation officers to enforce federal immigration priorities which often entail human rights abuses against local communities. By allowing 287(g) agreements in Virginia, the Commonwealth is reducing its police power and specifically limiting habitat protection, poaching prevention, and ecosystem stewardship by DWR in favor of priorities unrelated to wildlife. This means DWR has fewer resources to implement science-informed wildlife governance and protect the public trust in healthy ecosystems and robust wildlife populations. This is only one example of the many ways in which 287(g) agreements blur the boundaries between state and federal power, diffuse governmental accountability, and erode community trust. For this and many other reasons, I oppose 287(g) agreements in Virginia and strongly support HB1438 in prohibiting these agreements and safeguarding Commonwealth police powers and conservation governance.
I am writing in support of Virginia HB1438 (sponsor: Guzman, title: Agencies of the Commonwealth; law-enforcement agencies; employees and officers; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement; prohibitions and limitations.). As a wildlife scientist who has spent her career researching, educating, and recreating on public lands in Virginia, I was appalled to read the MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) 287(g) Task Force Model signed by the director of Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources, which diverts the Commonwealth's already limited public resources and enlists DWR employees into functioning as immigration officers, under authorization of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security. The officers empowered under 287(g) agreements are not immigration experts; and they embolden DHS & ICE's campaign of terror against immigrants and citizens alike. Diverting resources from conservation, science, and facilities maintenance to support ICE and DHS actions will harm our natural resources and the people who use them. I oppose this MOA for empowering the ever-expanding reach of federal agents to surveil the public, to use public funds without regard to democratic input, to employ racial profiling tactics to harass and detain the public, and to neglect the core mission and function of the Department of Wildlife Resources to "[manage] inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for Virginia... and inspir[e] people to value the outdoors and their role in nature." For this reason, I support Virginia HB1438, which would invalidate and prohibit such MOAs in the Commonwealth.
HB1440 - Protected areas; certain federal immigration enforcement prohibited, penalty.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
HI my name Abdulazeez I am from Charlottesville. I am writing to you to urge you to support HB 1440 Comprehensive sensitive places bill - this bill prohibits ICE entry of ICE into VA-owned schools, hospitals, and prosecutor's offices. thank you!
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
The United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Action Network – VA supports the passage of HB1440. Protecting sensitive locations from immigration enforcement is essential to ensuring that all members of our communities can access basic services and support without fear. The growing presence of immigration enforcement in schools, hospitals, and places of worship has created an atmosphere of anxiety that undermines the trust essential to healthy communities. The current policy is shameful in its attempt to make immigrants feel unsafe even in spaces that are fundamental to a civil society. These actions harm all of us and diminish us as a society. No group should be precluded from or afraid to access needed services and engage in community and civic life.
I am writing in support of HB1440 introduced by Alfonso H. Lopez which prevents employees or agents of a protected area from permitting anyone into a protected area for the purpose of immigration enforcement. Schools and hospitals should be places where people feel safe, and no one -- especially children -- should have to worry about being kidnapped by ICE or anyone working for DHS. Federal immigration agents have shown they do not care about the law. They operate anonymously, making it nearly impossible to hold them accountable. Allowing them into protected areas would make our society's most vulnerable members even more vulnerable to attacks similar to the ones suffered by Renee Nichole Good and Alex Pretti. I am asking everyone to support HB1440.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you
I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.
I oppose these bills as it is the job of law enforcement to uphold the laws of the United States and to protect and serve the citizens of Virginia. Citizens is a key word that is misinterpreted in these bills.
HB1441 - Law-enforcement officers; enforcement of federal immigration law, restrictions.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
The United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Action Network – VA supports the passage of HB1441. Assigning federal immigration enforcement duties to our local and state law enforcement officers breaks the trust between these officers and the communities they serve. It also diverts police resources away from protecting and serving our communities. The recent unchecked violence and disregard for the basic dignity of life shown by federal immigration agents underscores the urgency of drawing a clear separation of duties between these agencies and local law enforcement. People should not be afraid to contact the police to report crimes or seek assistance; this undermines public safety for all residents of Virginia. As a justice-seeking Christian faith community, we urge you to vote yes on HB1441.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
I support HB 1441. Our local law enforcement are paid with Virginia tax dollars to enforce Virginia law. I don’t support my Virginia tax dollars being co-opted to enforce federal immigration codes. Schools and hospitals should be safe spaces. This bill does not keep federal immigration officers with properly vetted judicial warrants from carrying out those warrants, so it does not interfere with properly vetted and researched federal immigration enforcement. But it does keep federal immigration officials who are not bothering to follow protocol and due process from terrorizing our schools and hospitals. Please vote yes
I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.
I oppose these bills as it is the job of law enforcement to uphold the laws of the United States and to protect and serve the citizens of Virginia. Citizens is a key word that is misinterpreted in these bills.
I do not support HB 1441 I support law authority on controlling crime in schools no matter what religion or ethnicity nobody should be above the law.
1035 Keep SRO in school 1441 Let local and state LEO enforce federal laws on immigration.
HB1442 - Polling places; prohibited activities, acts in furtherance of federal immigration laws.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
I support HB1442 but suggest that the protected area be increased. I have worked for a number of years on the voter hotline, and last year we heard rumors that ICE was planning to set up checkpoints on streets leading to polling places to create traffic and make it harder for people to drive to the polling place. In addition to causing needless fear for immigrants, this could dramatically lower voter turnout if they did this in heavily Democratic precincts. I suggest that this be amended to state that ICE cannot set up checkpoints on Election Day on streets within a mile of a polling place.
The United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Action Network – VA supports the passage of HB1442. The recent aggressive crackdowns by armed ICE agents have sowed fear among citizens and immigrants alike. The fear of wrongful arrest and imprisonment in areas of active immigration enforcement has already led to citizens hiding in their homes, afraid to go about their daily business. The presence of armed immigration officers at or near polling locations will discourage citizens from exercising their right to vote, especially voters of color, who fear being racially profiled, or those who have noncitizen family members. Please help protect our citizens from voter suppression by voting yes on HB1442.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
Please expand to 100 feet. Please provide mechanisms for immediate enforcement so we can call 911 WITH MEANINGFUL RESULTS if DHS surrounds polling places; it does us no good to enforce later when they are masked and not deterred by state penalties. Thank you. Brittany Baron
I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.
I oppose these bills as it is the job of law enforcement to uphold the laws of the United States and to protect and serve the citizens of Virginia. Citizens is a key word that is misinterpreted in these bills.
HB1453 - First responder; approaching with specified intent after a warning, penalty.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
HB1459 - Ice-Free Communities Act; notification to federal immigration authorities of pending release of certain persons from custody.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am writing this in OPPOSITION to HB1459 submitted by Delegate Eric Zehr. The individuals who are being released have served their time and should not be subjected to further harassment from immigration authorities who, under Trump, have shown time and time again (particularly with their actions against Renee Good and Alex Pretti) they do not care about public safety or rule of law. Countless individuals who pose no threat to the safety of Americans have been trafficked by ICE to countries they have never even been to where they are forced into brutal concentration camps like CECOT. I encourage everyone to oppose this brutal, inhumane bill.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
I oppose these bills as it is the job of law enforcement to uphold the laws of the United States and to protect and serve the citizens of Virginia. Citizens is a key word that is misinterpreted in these bills.
Oppose Why are you creating dangerous situations in Virginia’s communities and cities? It is disgraceful that the leftists care more about getting criminals and illegal criminals on their side rather than protecting law abiding citizens in Virginia. This is a shameful way to get votes ! Where were you when former President Obama deported masses of illegal immigrates? Silent and did not care. What a double standard on the left every time. Please stop causing trouble and harm to our lives.
HB1482 - Law-enforcement officers; restrictions on wearing of facial coverings, required identification.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein
I am writing in support of banning law enforcement officers from hiding their faces and identity when working. I have heard reports of men hiding their faces and pretending to be ice agents to abduct women in other regions of the U.S. Also, in encourages officers to not follow the law because their identity is hidden. We must hold everyone accountable- including law enforcement- and the best way to do that is not to hide our identities, but show who they are. Thank you for your time.
The Justice and Witness Action Network – VA of the United Church of Christ-VA supports the passage of HB1482. As people of faith, we recognize the worth and dignity of all persons. We are deeply concerned about the increasingly lawless behavior exhibited by officers of the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration & Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents, as they hide behind masks that conceal their identity. These actions are part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence and disregard for the dignity of life. Trust and public safety are essential pillars of a secure community, and when government law enforcement agents conceal their faces and act without identification, it jeopardizes both of those pillars. Anonymous policing erodes trust, invites abuse, and threatens the safety of everyone involved. Law enforcement agents who are acting within the law have no need to hide their identities, and this bill protects responsible officers and the public. Transparency and accountability in law enforcement is critical for public trust. This legislation will strengthen the community's confidence in law enforcement and protect officers and community members from those who would disguise themselves to cause harm. We ask you to vote yes on HB1482.
I am writing in support of HB1482, introduced by Charlie Schmidt, which restricts law enforcement's ability to wear face coverings. Transparency is one of the foundations of democracy, and it is especially important when it comes to government officials who have the right to deprive you of your freedom and give you a life-destroying arrest and criminal record. Law enforcement officers also need to be held accountable if they violate the constitutional rights of the citizens they come into contact with. Allowing police officers to wear face coverings hinders our ability to hold them accountable. I am asking everyone to support this bill.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
This bill is obviously written to discourage immigration agents from concealing their identities. However state law does not dictate federal agent's behavior. Even with this bill, 28 U.S.C. § 1442 would allow ICE to immediately move the case to federal court where it would likely be dismissed under the Supremacy Clause. This bill would only serve undermine the undercover officers that enforce narcotic/human trafficking/child exploitation laws because the only exception is for some reason "SWAT" members who don't investigate these crimes.
I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.
We support cosplay in all it's form
Oppose Why are you creating dangerous situations in Virginia’s communities and cities? It is disgraceful that the leftists care more about getting criminals and illegal criminals on their side rather than protecting law abiding citizens in Virginia. This is a shameful way to get votes ! Where were you when former President Obama deported masses of illegal immigrates? Silent and did not care. What a double standard on the left every time. Please stop causing trouble and harm to our lives.
HB1492 - Impersonating federal law-enforcement officer; increases penalties.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
People in Alexandria are terrified- undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders and even US citizens are afraid to be harassed, kidnapped or killed by ICE. As such, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. While we cannot fully stop these immoral and unconstitutional federal practices, we can stop VA from adopting them in our counties and cities. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
The Justice and Witness Action Network – Virginia of the United Church of Christ supports HB 1492. As a consequence of the recent lawless behavior exhibited by officers of the Department of Homeland Security, including the use of a variety of uniforms, failure to show identification or warrants, and masking to conceal their identity, it has become impossible for members of the public to distinguish bona fide law enforcement officers from bad actors who would impersonate them to do harm. This poses a huge threat to public safety and we urge you to vote for HB1492.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
HB650 - Courthouses; certain civil arrests prohibited, penalty.
HB 650 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1260 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1264 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law by attempting to intimidate federal law enforcement officers. OPPOSE. HB 1265 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement of federal law. OPPOSE HB 1438 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1440 Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1441 Creates division between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Blatantly covers for illegals. OPPOSE HB 1442 If Illegals aren’t supposed to vote, why would this bill be needed? OPPOSE HB 1482 Clearly seeks to obstruct enforcement law enforcement by intimidating them. In some instances, their identity needs to be protected to prevent retribution. OPPOSE HB 1492 This is already a violation of federal law and is unnecessary. See 18 USC SS 912 and SS 913. OPPOSE
Hello, My name is Tyneshia Griffin and I am constituent in Kimberly Pope Adams's District 82. I am in strong support of HB1492, HB482, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, and HB650. These bills are urgently needed to protect immigrant communities and all communities in the state from racially motivated, state-sanctioned, community-based violence being executed by federal agents, local law enforcement affiliating with federal agencies, and citizens who may be motivated to violently target immigrants in the Commonwealth to also stoke fear, shame, panic, and harm on their of their own volition. In my area, ICE has invaded public spaces, kidnapping folks from bus stations for example, making it less safe for members of my community, including myself access transportation, feel safe to move about in our community, and safe free detainment and incarceration. I do not depend on transit solely, but when I need it, it is incredibly helpful for helping me get around the area safely and cheaply. Seniors with no transportation support, folks getting to and from work, students going to school, and folks looking for temporary shelter deserve access to safe public transit, streets, schools, faith centers, workplaces, courthouse, neighborhoods - throughout their entire community. My neighbors and I deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from community-violence and detainment in inhumane jails/camps and these bills provide for that and a failure to pass them fails to complete these responsibilities by leaders and the state. Protect Virginians, protect immigrant communities now.
My name is Karen Menichelli, and I have resided in Arlington, VA, for over 40 years, currently living in House District 1. I have cherished the diverse and welcoming nature of my community and feel enriched by the many immigrants from around the world who have decided to make their lives here. I am worried for my neighbors given the unnecessarily reckless and cruel practices of our federal immigration officers exhibited in cities like Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, WI. I don’t want those behaviors, which sow mistrust and waste resources, brought to Virginia. I want to protect the humanity, dignity, and safety of our immigrant neighbors and allow free access to important community services without fear of harassment or harm from federal agents. Therefore, I strongly support the above indicated cluster of bills under consideration by the Public Safety Subcommittee and urge the subcommittee to champion these bills and send strong versions to the full House for a vote.
My name is Ricki Henschel. I am a resident of District 3. I am submitting this testimony on behalf of Jews United for Justice in support of all of the following bills: HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. JUFJ organizes Jewish Virginians and allies in support of local campaigns for social, racial, and economic justice. Judaism teaches that we are all made in the image of God. The Bible is clear that we are to welcome the stranger, as this is mentioned more times than any other obligation in the Bible. The assault on and kidnapping of individuals by ICE, pulled from their cars, their homes, their places of work, as if they were violent criminals, is directly in opposition of Jewish values, and should not be happening in our state. . The vast majority of those arrested are not individuals who have committed any crime, and many are in the process of obtaining legal status. We also know that citizens are also being taken because they fit the profile. The ICE raids and deportation machine are harming people indiscriminately: Parents, children, and students are being swept up as they attend routine immigration check-ins and court hearings, go to work, and run their errands. In my community, children are scared to go to school, and parents are concerned about taking their children to school, including those who with legal status, as the reality is that ICE is sweeping up individuals based on skin color and accents. Asking for papers and documentation and creating a reality where people feel they have to always have their papers on them everywhere they go, is reminiscent of every society that has been overtaken by autocracy. In addition, as an individual who has experienced sexual violence, it is no surprise that many in our community are afraid to go to our courts or access services. Everyone should be able to live with safety and dignity – including going to court without fear. Enabling law enforcement to be masked adds to the trauma being created. In addition, state and local police need to be seen as those protecting our communities, not as part of the federal work of ICE. And most recently, the threat of having ICE at polling places has been introduced. This must not be allowed in Virginia. Many citizens fit ICE’s profile, and they will be harassed and maybe too frightened to go to the polls. This can not be allowed. I respectfully urge this committee to support each of these bills that control the methods and manner in which ICE operates within our borders–HB 650, HB1260, HB1262, HB1264, HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and HB1492. We have the right to require them to follow our laws and the US Constitution. We must welcome the stranger.
I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I am writing to encourage the passage of all possible legal remedies to protect our immigrant neighbors from indiscriminant and inhumane enforcement of federal immigration law, especially HB 1438 and HB 650. The first is particularly important to prevent local and state law enforcement from being distracted from their fundamental responsibility to protect the people of the Commonwealth and enforce its laws. Moreover, our state and local law enforcement officers should not have their respect in the community undermined by cooperation with federal agencies that have, under the current administration, displayedegregious disregard for the human and constitutional rights of people living in the United States, for due process, and ordinary procedures for investigating charges of misconduct. HB 650 is equally significant. People should not be afraid of participating in court proceedings by the prospect of arrests unrelated to those proceedings and should be fully protected from arrest without the due process enumerated in this bill.
It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.
I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.
(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057
I am writing in strong support of each of the indicated bills that aim to protect immigrants, and those perceived as immigrants, from the threat and violence perpetuated by ICE. As a Social Worker that works across the Central Virginia region, I have seen my neighbors and clients directly harmed by ICE. Families have been torn apart, resulting in physical, psychological, and financial harm. Furthermore, the threat of ICE has prevented communities I care about from safely accessing healthcare, basic needs, public spaces, and even school. These policies would take an important step to protect the rights and livelihoods of all Virginians, and they would affirm our commonwealth's commitment to ensuring its residents have safe and fair access to participating in civic life.
As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston
I am writing in support of the bills checked above. The bills I would protect immigrants from illegal and abusive practices by ICE and Border Patrol. As events in Minnesota have tragically illustrated, all of us, citizen or not, immigrant or not, legal or not, need protection from these federal agents. Enact these bills to protect sensitive spaces, unmask and identify federal agents, require judicial warrants for immigration, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering cooperative agreements with federal immigration officers.,
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement
I would like to lend my support to the passage of these bills. However, I would like to go further. Under no circumstances should any member of the government, police force or Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE or Border Control. BUT given that ICE will disobey the laws anyway, I want them out of Virginia entirely, and ideally, dismantled completely.
Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!
I support these bills. I volunteer with hospice patients and see how the fear of ICE is affecting our much needed and legal caregivers who fear leaving home to go to their clients. One has been disappeared. I hear from my high school grandchildren the concerns at their schools. This is not how we should be living in the USA.
SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.
I am a long time citizen of Henrico and I am horrified at what is happening with ICE and border patrol in my country now. I hardly recognize this country or the Republican party any more. I am asking all of my reps to do whatever you can to defund ICE and to make them take their masks off, to get much better training and to have signed warrants whenever they are looking for specific people. Finally they should not be allowed to go in schools or houses of worship. Thankyou.
I am deeply concerned about our state and the rest of the country. Immigration enforcement has affected our economy, our well being and our neighbors. Children should not have to live in fear. I am descended from German and Irish immigrants. In their name I submit these comments. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. Accountability is important to restoring trust. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please protect Virginians. Protect our children. Protect our communities. Thank you.
I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood
I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.
I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459
I am a resident of state house district 4, state senate district 9, and am a citizen, yet have had multiple people in my life affected by the dramatic changes in immigration action by this administration. I believe it is important that even if we do deport or question immigrants who are not here legally, all of the actions of federal agents and law enforcement must follow or constitutional protections. That is the foundation of who we are as a country before anything else. And this overreach asks affects the vulnerable and our civic institutions when places like schools, hospitals and courthouses are regularly raided with scary, anonymous soldiers. Please vote to limit the overreach and provide commenters reforms. Thank you, Matt Goldstein
I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.
Bills: HB1265 (Glass) and HB650 (Callsen) Position: SUPPORT Courthouses must function as neutral, accessible spaces where individuals can participate in legal proceedings without fear of unrelated civil enforcement actions. HB1265 and HB650 are essential to preserving access to justice and due process in the Commonwealth by prohibiting civil arrests in courthouses and establishing enforceable protections. Legal and empirical research demonstrates that the threat of civil arrest—particularly immigration enforcement—in or around courthouses has a documented chilling effect on court participation. Individuals who fear arrest are less likely to appear for hearings, serve as witnesses, comply with court orders, or seek protective relief, undermining both due process and judicial efficiency (Eagly, 2019; Kohli et al., 2011). In Virginia, these impacts are especially acute in General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Courts, where survivors seek protective orders, parents appear in custody matters, and tenants and workers pursue basic legal remedies. When individuals avoid court out of fear, cases are delayed or dismissed, warrants may issue for failure to appear, and victims and witnesses are effectively silenced. This does not enhance public safety—it weakens it. Virginia’s court system depends on voluntary participation to function effectively. Research shows that enforcement activity in civic spaces erodes trust in legal institutions and reduces cooperation with courts and law enforcement, particularly in immigrant communities (Eagly, 2019). This erosion directly conflicts with the Commonwealth’s interest in efficient case resolution and community safety. Importantly, prohibiting civil arrests in courthouses does not prevent lawful enforcement elsewhere. Instead, it draws a clear boundary that protects the integrity of court proceedings. Jurisdictions that separate civil enforcement from courthouse activity report improved court appearance rates and increased willingness of victims and witnesses to engage with the justice system (Kohli et al., 2011). HB1265 and HB650 reinforce courthouse neutrality, strengthen due process, and support public safety by ensuring that access to justice is not conditioned on a person’s immigration status or vulnerability to civil enforcement. I respectfully urge the committee to report both bills favorably and protect our neighbors here in Virginia. Eagly, I. V. (2019). Immigration enforcement and access to justice. UCLA Law Review, 66, 100–170. Kohli, A., Markowitz, P. L., & Chavez, L. (2011). Secure Communities by the numbers: An analysis of demographics and due process. Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy.
The United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Action Network – Virginia supports HB650. As people of faith, we are deeply disturbed by the abuse of basic human rights and the constitutional violations being perpetrated in our communities by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. ICE is terrorizing our immigrant population, the vast majority of whom are NOT criminals. The way arrests are being carried out creates an atmosphere of distrust between residents and local law enforcement officials. Targeting of individuals at courthouses is especially egregious, because if immigrants fear that showing up in court may result in detention and possible deportation, our justice system itself becomes compromised. People are afraid to show up for routine legal hearings. Victims are afraid to report crimes, witnesses won’t show up to testify – leading to further erosion of public safety and creation of a climate of fear that destabilizes our entire community. Our courthouses should be safe spaces that are off limits to ICE. We urge you to vote yes on HB650 to protect everyone’s access to Virginia’s judicial system.
I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.
The Virginia State Conference supports HB 650 HB 221 HB 1265
Tahirih Justice Center respectfully supports HB 650. Please see submitted attachment.
I am a sworn law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and I respectfully submit this testimony in opposition to House Bill 650. While the bill is framed as limiting “civil arrests” in courthouses, its language makes clear that it is specifically directed at civil administrative warrants issued on behalf of state or federal agencies for civil immigration purposes, including enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill also defines that “arrest under civil process” and “civil arrest” do not include arrests for contempt of court or other lawful enforcement of court orders. HB 650 is constitutionally problematic. Federal immigration enforcement is a matter of national sovereignty governed by the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. State laws cannot nullify or impede lawful federal immigration authority. By attempting to restrict civil administrative arrests in courthouses, this legislation invites legal conflict and potential litigation, placing Virginia in opposition to the federal government while offering no clear public safety benefit. Beyond its federal implications, the bill raises broader operational and public safety concerns. Its sweeping language could unintentionally prevent the enforcement of other civil orders or warrants issued under state law, including family court protective orders, civil detainers, or court-issued arrest warrants for violations of civil mandates. In practice, law enforcement officers may face confusion or hesitation, unsure whether executing a legitimate civil warrant in a courthouse could expose them to legal penalties. This could undermine compliance with court orders, delay justice, and place both officers and the public at risk. Courthouses are public spaces where justice is administered. Limiting the ability of law enforcement to enforce valid civil process—even inadvertently—compromises the rule of law. Civil enforcement, whether for immigration purposes or other judicially authorized civil orders, serves an essential public safety function. HB 650 imposes barriers that could chill enforcement, create unnecessary legal exposure for officers, and obstruct timely execution of lawful court orders. While the intent of the bill may be to limit certain federal civil enforcement actions, the broad language and lack of clarity expose Virginia law enforcement to operational ambiguity, unintended legal conflicts, and public safety risks. Any reforms aimed at regulating civil enforcement should be carefully tailored to avoid interfering with federal authority or lawful state civil processes and to ensure officers can execute their duties without fear of unintended liability. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the members of this committee to oppose House Bill 650. The legislation is constitutionally vulnerable, operationally problematic, and risks undermining both the enforcement of lawful civil orders and public safety in Virginia.