Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, responded sharply to a recent plan by her gubernatorial opponent, Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger announced her intention to rescind an executive order that currently allows law enforcement and jailers to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under specific circumstances. Earle-Sears, in a candid interview, remarked with a mix of humor and confidence, “Well, we know she won’t be able to do that because she’s not going to win.” This statement set the tone for her defense of the executive order put forth by Governor Glenn Youngkin, which she claims is both practical and essential for public safety.
Earle-Sears pointed out the impressive drop in crime rates since she and Youngkin took office, emphasizing a reduction of one-third statewide. They view this achievement as evidence of the effectiveness of their policies. In her eyes, Spanberger’s criticisms are nothing but “dangerous ideas” that lack real-world application. She finds Spanberger’s remarks particularly misguided, arguing they divert attention from real issues facing Virginia citizens.
Youngkin’s executive order aims to enhance collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), focusing on the arrest and deportation of criminal illegal immigrants. Earle-Sears stressed that Spanberger’s proposed changes neglect the urgent need to confront illegal immigrant gangs actively. She highlighted a recent arrest made in Manassas, contrasting Spanberger’s legislative past with ongoing crime issues. Referring to Salvadoran national Henrry Josue Villatoro-Santos, a suspected leader of the MS-13 gang, she remarked, “The No. 3 MS-13 [was captured] right here in Manassas under her nose,” pointing out the direct implications of Spanberger’s approach.
Spanberger’s viewpoint is clear; she believes that Youngkin’s order shifts local law enforcement away from their crucial responsibilities. “I would rescind [Youngkin’s] executive order, yes,” she firmly stated, emphasizing her belief that the current immigration system is in dire need of reform. She characterized allowing police to assist in federal immigration enforcement as a misallocation of resources that unfairly separates families.
Earle-Sears countered this argument, explaining that without a safe environment, officials in Richmond cannot focus on critical issues such as economic development. She deemed Spanberger’s approach counterproductive, insisting it undermines the safety of Virginians and hampers the efforts of federal agents dealing with immigration matters. The lieutenant governor drew from her personal immigrant experience, highlighting that her journey to the U.S. was legal and aimed at seeking opportunity. “These criminal illegal immigrants, they come here for an opportunity to prey on us,” she said, underscoring the distinction she sees between her story and that of individuals with criminal records entering the country unlawfully.
Governor Youngkin also weighed in, framing the upcoming election as a choice that could not be clearer. He raised concerns about Spanberger’s stance on immigration policy, suggesting her potential first act as governor would prioritize creating a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants. He announced on social media, “[Earle-Sears] promises to keep dangerous criminals off our streets,” directly contrasting the visions of the two candidates for Virginia’s future.
As the election approaches, the debates surrounding immigration and public safety will undoubtedly become focal points in the campaign. Earle-Sears’s commitment to maintaining the executive order aligns with her broader vision of a safer, more effective governance model for Virginia. She positions herself not just as a politician but as a voice for the safety and well-being of her constituents. The upcoming race will test these competing narratives and lay bare the electorate’s priorities as they decide the future direction of state policy.
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