Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF) has made over 500 arrests since its operations began on February 25. Among those arrested, 132 individuals are affiliated with gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The task force is a collaboration between federal and state agencies aimed at combating transnational organized crime, gang violence, and immigration violations in Virginia.
Governor Youngkin said, “Thanks to the brave men and women of our federal and state law enforcement, more than 500 criminal illegal immigrants, including more than 130 gang-members, are off of Virginia’s streets and facing justice for their crimes.” He praised the efforts of over 200 law enforcement officers involved in the operation.
United States Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the collaboration between state and federal entities, saying, “This is the product of unprecedented collaboration between state and federal law enforcement entities working to protect Virginia’s communities.”
FBI Director Kash Patel described the task force as a model for effective collaboration across states. “The FBI is proud to work with Attorney General Bondi, Governor Youngkin, and Virginia AG Miyares in this effort,” he said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting Director Todd Lyons expressed pride in partnering with Virginia to enhance community safety. He noted ICE’s expansion of its 287(g) program in collaboration with local law enforcement.
Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Terry Cole emphasized the success of collaborative approaches in addressing complex enforcement challenges. The task force includes personnel from various agencies such as U.S. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), among others.
The VHSTF was formally announced on March 3rd, following Governor Youngkin’s signing of Executive Order 47 on February 27th. This order enabled direct enforcement of federal immigration laws by Virginia State Police and Department of Corrections through agreements with ICE ERO.
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