Gov. Spanberger and Suffolk Leaders: Defend ICE Limits and Reject the Wilroy Road Office
The Issue
Virginia already drew a line: local police resources should not be used as an extension of federal civil immigration enforcement, and families should be able to attend school, worship, seek justice, and live their daily lives without fear.
On April 22, 2026, Virginia enacted companion bills SB 783 and HB 1441. The laws placed strict conditions on 287(g) and similar immigration-enforcement agreements, limited the use of state and local law-enforcement resources for federal civil immigration enforcement, and included protections for schools, faith-based organizations, courthouses, and homes. The laws took effect July 1.
But on June 11, the Trump administration's Department of Justice sued Virginia. Then, on August 31, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of much of Virginia Code § 15.2-1726.1 against federal actors and parties to existing 287(g) agreements while the case continues. The ruling left in place the restriction preventing localities that had never participated in 287(g) from entering new agreements—but critical protections are now at risk.
At the same time, ICE has considered leasing approximately 9,000 square feet of office space at the SIMIS facility off Wilroy Road in Suffolk. Suffolk officials confirmed in April that no zoning application or permit request had been submitted at that time. Residents, clergy, civic leaders, and immigrant-community advocates have already rallied against the proposal and urged city leaders to act before it moves forward.
This is a moment for leadership—not silence.
We call on Governor Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones to vigorously defend Virginia's law, pursue every available appeal and lawful remedy, and reject any settlement that weakens the protections Virginians fought to secure.
We also call on Suffolk's mayor, City Council, and planning and zoning officials to publicly oppose the proposed Wilroy Road ICE office, require complete transparency and meaningful public participation, and use every lawful zoning, permitting, and land-use authority available to prevent the proposal from moving forward.
A court injunction should not become a surrender. And a proposed lease should not become a permanent federal presence before Suffolk residents receive a real voice in the decision.
Sign this petition and tell Virginia's leaders: defend the law, respect the community, and reject the proposed ICE office in Suffolk.
Paid partnership. Amar Okanovic is a Change Ambassador who receives compensation in connection with this petition.
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The Issue
Virginia already drew a line: local police resources should not be used as an extension of federal civil immigration enforcement, and families should be able to attend school, worship, seek justice, and live their daily lives without fear.
On April 22, 2026, Virginia enacted companion bills SB 783 and HB 1441. The laws placed strict conditions on 287(g) and similar immigration-enforcement agreements, limited the use of state and local law-enforcement resources for federal civil immigration enforcement, and included protections for schools, faith-based organizations, courthouses, and homes. The laws took effect July 1.
But on June 11, the Trump administration's Department of Justice sued Virginia. Then, on August 31, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of much of Virginia Code § 15.2-1726.1 against federal actors and parties to existing 287(g) agreements while the case continues. The ruling left in place the restriction preventing localities that had never participated in 287(g) from entering new agreements—but critical protections are now at risk.
At the same time, ICE has considered leasing approximately 9,000 square feet of office space at the SIMIS facility off Wilroy Road in Suffolk. Suffolk officials confirmed in April that no zoning application or permit request had been submitted at that time. Residents, clergy, civic leaders, and immigrant-community advocates have already rallied against the proposal and urged city leaders to act before it moves forward.
This is a moment for leadership—not silence.
We call on Governor Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones to vigorously defend Virginia's law, pursue every available appeal and lawful remedy, and reject any settlement that weakens the protections Virginians fought to secure.
We also call on Suffolk's mayor, City Council, and planning and zoning officials to publicly oppose the proposed Wilroy Road ICE office, require complete transparency and meaningful public participation, and use every lawful zoning, permitting, and land-use authority available to prevent the proposal from moving forward.
A court injunction should not become a surrender. And a proposed lease should not become a permanent federal presence before Suffolk residents receive a real voice in the decision.
Sign this petition and tell Virginia's leaders: defend the law, respect the community, and reject the proposed ICE office in Suffolk.
Paid partnership. Amar Okanovic is a Change Ambassador who receives compensation in connection with this petition.
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Petition created on September 18, 2026