JUST IN: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has just signed an executive order ending all state police cooperation with Trump’s ICE—effective immediately after taking office. And that’s only the beginning. What she announced she plans to do next to counter Donald Trump has Republicans and his allies in full panic, while supporters are celebrating the bold move.

RICHMOND, Va. — In her first official act after being sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor and the state’s first female leader, Democrat Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order on January 17, 2026, rescinding her predecessor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 47.

The move immediately terminates all cooperation between Virginia State Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including participation in the federal 287(g) program and enforcement of ICE detainer requests.

Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term U.S. Representative, took the oath of office earlier in the day amid a historic outdoor ceremony at the State Capitol, attended by thousands despite cold, drizzly weather. She described the action as a refocus on core public safety priorities.

“Virginia state and local law enforcement officers must be able to focus on their primary responsibilities: investigating crime, deterring criminal activity, staffing jails, and building community trust,” Spanberger stated before signing the order.

“Enforcing federal civil immigration laws is the responsibility of federal authorities, not a diversion of our limited local resources.”

The decision reverses a policy implemented by Republican Gov. Youngkin that required greater state-local collaboration with ICE, which supporters credited with aiding deportations of individuals involved in serious crimes, including gang members and violent offenders.

**Republican Backlash and Supporter Celebration**

The executive order has sparked sharp reactions. Republican leaders and Trump allies condemned the move as making Virginians “less safe” and effectively creating sanctuary-like protections that could shield undocumented immigrants, including those with criminal records, from federal enforcement.

Critics argued it undermines public safety and ignores recent federal mandates like the Laken Riley Act.

Immigrant advocacy groups and progressive supporters hailed the decision as a major victory for community trust and civil rights.

They praised Spanberger for fulfilling a key campaign promise and sending a strong message that Virginia prioritizes safety for all residents, including immigrant communities.

This action is part of a broader package of 10 executive orders signed on inauguration day, many aimed at affordability issues such as housing, health care, and economic protections amid uncertainties from the new Trump administration.

As Spanberger begins her term leading a Democratic-controlled state government in contrast to the Republican White House, the ICE decision signals early defiance against federal immigration enforcement priorities.

Observers say more steps may follow to counter potential federal overreach.

The order takes effect immediately, marking a swift and bold start to what promises to be a consequential governorship.