Border Czar Vows to Flood Virginia with ICE Agents Despite Governor's Orders
Former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan has launched a scathing attack on Virginia's newly inaugurated Governor Abigail Spanberger, pledging to defy her executive orders that reduce cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In a podcast appearance on Thursday, Homan, often referred to as the "Border Czar" during the Trump administration, declared he would work aggressively to circumvent Spanberger's policies, which he described as a "liberal wish list" signed on her first day in office.
Executive Orders Spark Conservative Fury
The most contentious of Governor Spanberger's initial actions involves limiting Virginia's collaboration with ICE, effectively hindering Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda. Homan expressed particular frustration with this move, arguing it compromises public safety. "I said it from Day 1. The thousands of agents we're bringing on - we're going to flood sanctuary cities," Homan stated emphatically. "We have to because you created a problem when you released some public safety threats in the streets."
Homan promised to redirect additional ICE resources to Virginia, asserting that Spanberger's administration "makes our job harder." He drew parallels with other Democratic-led states, noting his team would persist regardless of political opposition, as they have in New York, California, Oregon, and Illinois. "They're not going to stop us. They can stand on the sidelines and watch. Shame on them, but they're not going to stop us from doing this mission," he added.
Efficiency Concerns and Political Betrayal Allegations
The former border official highlighted practical difficulties arising from the lack of gubernatorial cooperation. He explained that with state support, a single agent could efficiently process an undocumented individual in county jail, whereas without it, entire teams must be deployed to locate released individuals. "If they work with us — I mean, one agent can arrest one illegal alien in a county jail," Homan detailed. "Give us access to the person that you locked in a jail cell, and they're in the country illegally. When you're done, you give them to us. That's the most efficient way to do it."
Homan, a Virginia resident, voiced personal disappointment, accusing Spanberger of political betrayal. He recalled her campaign advertisements portraying her as a law enforcement advocate who rescued children from sex trafficking. "So, first day in office, she stops being a law enforcement officer and became a politician because where's all those commercials you did about supporting law enforcement and rescuing kids?" he questioned. While acknowledging respect for her CIA background, Homan pessimistically noted, "I hope we can work together, but it doesn't look good."
Conservative Backlash and Historical Context
Spanberger's November victory over Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, marked by a significant margin, made her Virginia's first female governor, succeeding Glenn Youngkin. Her win, alongside Mikie Sherrill's in New Jersey, provided Democrats a morale boost in increasingly competitive states. However, conservatives have reacted with horror to her early executive orders.
The backlash has been vitriolic in some quarters. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon compared Spanberger to a "Bond villain," while The Lepanto Institute likened her to the White Witch from Narnia, suggesting "a long winter without Christmas has come to Virginia." Ben Domenech of The Spectator quipped, "It's like the CIA built the perfect Karen in a lab."
Conservative journalist Greg Price highlighted the state legislature's ambitious plans, which include:
- Implementing sales taxes on companies like Amazon and Uber Eats
- Introducing several new tax brackets
- Banning gas-powered leaf blowers
- Expanding ranked-choice voting
- Eliminating Columbus Day
Democrats in the statehouse have pledged to collaborate with Spanberger on a progressive agenda, including redrawing congressional districts ahead of the midterm elections, following their gain of 13 House of Delegates seats after national losses in 2024.
Governor's Defence and National Implications
Spanberger defended her actions on social media, stating her orders "respond to the moment" and set a tone of "pragmatic leadership focused on lowering costs, growing our economy, and making sure that every parent knows that their child is set up for success." Her campaign emphasised protecting Virginia's economy from Trump administration tactics, addressing civil service cuts, rising costs, and healthcare system vulnerabilities.
In a veiled criticism of federal leadership, Spanberger remarked, "I know many of you are worried about the recklessness coming out of Washington. You are worried about policies that are hurting our communities, cutting health care access, imperiling rural hospitals and driving up costs."
Virginia's off-year gubernatorial elections often serve as national political bellwethers. Spanberger's comfortable victory margin suggests Democrats may be strengthening their position heading into the midterm elections, which could influence the trajectory of Trump's final presidential years. This clash between state and federal immigration enforcement priorities underscores deepening partisan divisions on one of America's most polarising issues.
