Virginia Gov. Spanberger vetoes bill prohibiting ICE courthouse arrests

Kate Seltzer, The Virginian-Pilot on May 20, 2026

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NORFOLK, Va. — Gov. Abigail Spanberger took action Wednesday on the last bills before her, including vetoing some immigration protections and signing paid sick leave into law.

Spanberger vetoed legislation that would have prohibited federal immigration arrests at courthouses, schools, hospitals and polling places. In her veto statement, the governor said law enforcement officers would be in the untenable position of violating state or federal law.

“Despite these legal issues, I understand that some people feel signing this bill would send an important signal that in Virginia, we want immigrant families to be able to attend to their personal business at courthouses or schools without fear of immigration action,” she said. “I appreciate that intention. However, communicating that immigrant families are protected from immigration action in places they are not by virtue of federal law would put families at risk.”

Spanberger instead issued an executive order directing state agencies to only allow immigration arrests to occur on nonpublic areas of state property if agents have a valid warrant. Under the order, federal immigration officers are also unable to use the property as a staging or processing area. State agencies like the departments of Education, Criminal Justice, Health and Elections would have to develop guidance to communicate to state employees on immigration arrests. And the order mandates an online, know-your-rights resource that would allow people to report on Immigration and Customs Enforcement illegal actions.

State Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, and Del. Katrina Callsen, D-Albemarle, carried the legislation this session. In a joint statement, the legislators said the veto was a choice not to stand up to the immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump.

“As an immigrant who carries his passport card as many immigrants do, I know the fear of being separated from our families due to the Trump administration’s lawlessness,” Salim said in a statement. “At a time when communities are demanding real solutions to a president who is trampling our fundamental rights, the governor’s executive order does too little to protect those rights.”

Spanberger did sign into law bills that would prohibit law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, from wearing facial coverings designed to hide their identities.

On Wednesday, Spanberger also signed legislation requiring employers to offer one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked beginning July 1, 2027.

“I have carried a paid sick day bill for the past three years because I believe that Virginia workers deserve to be treated with dignity,” Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, said in a statement. “That means being able to take time off to see a doctor when you are sick without the fear of losing a job and sacrificing the ability to support your family.”

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