Will ICE Launch Operations in Virginia? Here’s What the Border Czar Said

Will ICE launch operations in Virginia? «Border Czar» Tom Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), publicly warned that he will deploy thousands of agents in Virginia despite the recent decision by Governor Abigail Spanberger to revoke state cooperation with immigration raids. This statement, issued on January 22, 2026 during the Ruthless podcast, responds to Executive Order 1 signed by Spanberger on January 17, which ends 287(g) agreements with ICE.

Who is Tom Homan and What is His Role?

Tom Homan, a 64-year-old former police officer and former interim ICE director in 2017-2018, was appointed «Border Czar» by President Donald Trump following his 2024 reelection. What authority does he have? He coordinates massive operations such as Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, prioritizing deportations of «dangerous criminals» with 20,000 national monthly arrests. Therefore, his warning to Virginia is not rhetorical: it replicates tactics in «sanctuary cities» such as New York and California, where raids in courthouses and streets increased. Consequently, Homan criticizes Spanberger’s «double talk,» a former intelligence officer who promised security but now limits collaboration.​

Why Did Virginia Revoke Cooperation with ICE?

Spanberger, Virginia’s first female governor (D), repealed Executive Order 47 from her Republican predecessor Glenn Youngkin on her inauguration day. Official reasons? She argues that mandatory collaboration with ICE—exchange of prison and detention data for trafficking purposes—discourages immigrant victims from reporting crimes, prioritizing «community policing.» Additionally, it halts participation in 287(g), which allowed local police to act as ICE agents. However, local Republicans call it «sanctuary policies» and plan counter-projects in the General Assembly.

What Exactly Did Homan Say About Virginia?

«The thousands of agents we are bringing in will flood the sanctuary cities… They can stand aside and watch, but they won’t prevent us from fulfilling this mission!» Homan declared. Operation details? He promises «massive resources» in Virginia’s northern corridor (tech hub) and Hampton Roads (port), focusing on direct arrests without state support. Therefore, he ignores local limits, invoking federal authority under Trump for «public safety threats.» Similarly, he defends ICE actions in Minneapolis despite protests, denying violations.​