(The Center Square) – Lynchburg City Council voted Tuesday to reaffirm cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies after members debated whether the city should formally join a federal immigration enforcement program.
Council approved a resolution stating the city will continue partnering with Virginia and federal authorities consistent with city practices and applicable law.
The measure passed 6-0 with one council member absent.
Voting in favor were Mayor Larry Taylor and council members Chris Faraldi, Martin Misjuns, Stephanie Reed, Sterling Wilder and Vice Mayor Curtis Diemer.
The vote followed a lengthy discussion about how local police should work with federal immigration authorities after first-term Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger ended a previous statewide directive encouraging cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Spanberger earlier rescinded an executive order from former Gov. Glenn Youngkin that had directed state agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Her administration also ended Virginia State Police participation in the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.
Councilman Chris Faraldi, who introduced the resolution, said the measure was intended to make clear that Lynchburg will continue operating under its current practices.
“Lynchburg will continue to operate as normal, regardless of what Richmond says,” Faraldi said during the meeting.
Police Chief Kennith R. Edwards Jr. told council members the department already works with federal authorities and contacts U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when necessary.
Under current practice, individuals arrested by Lynchburg police on criminal charges are transported to the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center. Jail officials then conduct checks and contact ICE if the person is determined to be unlawfully present in the country, leaving federal authorities to decide whether to issue a detainer or take custody.
During the meeting, some council members pushed to go further by formally joining the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, which allows trained local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.
Supporters of the proposal said a formal agreement could provide officers access to additional federal databases, training and potential funding for equipment and transportation.
Vice Mayor Curtis Diemer said stronger coordination between local and federal agencies could improve public safety.
“Public safety is strengthened by cooperation, clarity and common sense,” Diemer said.
Other council members said the resolution already reaffirmed existing cooperation and warned that requiring the police department to participate in the federal program could strain staffing and override the police chief’s recommendation.
Councilwoman Stephanie Reed said the department already works with federal agencies when needed and said she trusts the police chief’s judgment.
“I trust our police chief. I trust our officers,” Reed said.
Edwards told council members the police department currently does not participate in a 287(g) agreement and indicated the department does not have the manpower to dedicate officers to the program.
A substitute motion directing the city to enter the 287(g) program failed 4-2 with one member absent before council members returned to the original resolution.
Council then approved the measure reaffirming the city’s existing cooperation practices with federal law enforcement agencies.
