Virginia Code Section 15.2-916.2 prohibits any locality, including Richmond, from adopting sanctuary policies restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Richmond has no formal sanctuary ordinance and complies with state law.
Virginia Code Section 15.2-916.2, enacted to constrain municipal immigration policy, forbids any city or county from adopting ordinances, resolutions, or general orders that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Richmond Police Department therefore honors detainer requests subject to constitutional limits and does not maintain a formal sanctuary designation. The Richmond City Council has issued welcoming statements toward immigrants attending VCU and working in hospitality, but those resolutions do not override the state ban. Federal civil immigration enforcement proceeds without local interference.
A locality enacting a sanctuary ordinance violates Virginia Code Section 15.2-916.2 and faces state preemption challenges, potential injunctive relief, and removal of conflicting policies.
See how Richmond's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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