Does Virginia Have Sanctuary Cities?
People all over the world are watching ICE take action against immigrants in America in 2026. The Department of Homeland Security under the Trump Administration estimates that it has deported over 600,000 people already, and that nearly two million more have "self-deported," or left on their own.
If you or someone you love is undocumented and you worry about immigration enforcement, you may have heard the term "sanctuary city." You may want to know if Virginia has sanctuary cities where you might feel safer from deportation.
The short answer is no. Virginia does not have any official sanctuary cities. However, some areas in Virginia have policies that limit how much local police work with federal immigration agents.
Understanding these policies can help you know what to expect if you interact with police in your community. If you have questions about your immigration status or rights, our Woodbridge immigration attorney offers free consultations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
What Is a Sanctuary City?
A sanctuary city is a place where local police and government choose to limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These cities do not officially exist in Virginia, but the term helps explain certain policies.
In a sanctuary city, local police typically do not ask people about their immigration status during routine stops. They also do not hold people in jail longer just because Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which people call ICE, asks them to. Instead, local police focus on local crime and leave immigration enforcement to federal agents.
Not all sanctuary policies are the same. Some places have strong policies that strictly limit cooperation with ICE. Other places have weaker policies that only apply in certain situations. Some cities call themselves sanctuary cities openly. Others have sanctuary-style policies but never use that name.
Does Virginia Law Allow Sanctuary City Policies?
Former Governor Glenn Youngkin took a strong position against sanctuary policies in Virginia. Last year, he issued an executive order directing state agencies to expand cooperation with federal immigration officials, but current Governor Abigail Spanberger recently repealed this order. This leaves officers and citizens alike unsure of where they stand regarding immigration enforcement.
Because of state pressure and the lack of legal protection, no Virginia city officially calls itself a sanctuary city. However, some areas still have policies that create limited cooperation with immigration enforcement.
Which Virginia Areas Have Limited Cooperation Policies?
Several Virginia communities have adopted policies that reduce how much local police work with ICE, even though they do not call themselves sanctuary cities.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County has a policy that local police do not ask about immigration status during routine interactions. Officers only share information with ICE if someone is arrested for a serious crime. This policy protects people who report crimes or serve as witnesses without fear of deportation.
Arlington County
Arlington County takes a similar approach. Police do not routinely check immigration status or honor ICE detainer requests unless the person has been convicted of a serious offense. The county government has said this policy helps keep all residents safe by encouraging people to cooperate with police.
Alexandria
The city of Alexandria has policies that limit when police will hold someone for ICE. They focus on local public safety rather than federal immigration enforcement. Like other areas with limited cooperation policies, Alexandria has faced criticism from state leaders.
Can ICE Arrest You in Virginia?
Even in areas with limited cooperation policies, you can still be arrested by ICE. Federal immigration agents can conduct their own enforcement operations anywhere in Virginia. They do not need permission from local police.
If you are stopped by police in Virginia, you have rights. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status. You can politely decline to answer and ask if you are free to leave. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
Call a Prince William County, VA Green Card and Visa Attorney Today
Understanding sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement in Virginia can be confusing. Whether you live in an area with limited cooperation policies or not, having the right legal advice makes a difference.
Our Woodbridge, VA immigration lawyer at The Estevez Group, PC offers free consultations and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. We can help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and guide you through the immigration system. Call The Estevez Group, PC at 703-202-1660 today to schedule your free consultation.
