By Taylor Boyd
Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis said there has been confusion in the community about Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s recent executive order outlining statewide law enforcement standards, but emphasized the directive does not apply to local sheriff’s offices.
“There has been some confusion within the community about what Governor Spanberger’s Executive Order means for Henry County,” Davis said. “I want to be very clear: this order applies only to state law enforcement agencies — primarily the Virginia State Police and the Department of Corrections. It does not apply to sheriffs or sheriff’s offices in the Commonwealth.”
Davis added his office “will continue to cooperate fully with all federal law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Our mission, our authority, and our partnerships remain unchanged.”
Martinsville Police Chief Chad Rhoads said the governor’s action effectively resets the state’s directive to where it stood late last year.
“Political back and forth is what it is. It doesn’t really affect the way we do things. It doesn’t affect the way we do business,” Rhoads said.
Gov. Spanberger’s order directs state law enforcement agencies to align policies and training with principles focused on public trust and community safety and ends certain federal immigration enforcement agreements.
Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith echoed that assessment, saying Spanberger’s executive orders pertain only to state agencies.
“She’s their boss. Nothing was changed with us,” Smith said.
Smith noted individual localities decide whether to cooperate with ICE.
“Anytime we have somebody in our jail that is an illegal alien that has detainers on them, we’ve always cooperated in the past, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, criticized the order, saying cooperation among local, state and federal agencies is essential.
“Law enforcement officials are important public safety servants in Virginia’s Ninth District. A core function of their mission is to protect Virginia communities, and I believe cooperation between local, state, and federal officials helps accomplish that goal,” Griffith said.
“I believe Governor Spanberger’s action to terminate 287(g) agreements directly undermines this goal and potentially pits local communities, state law enforcement, and federal law enforcement against each other. This creates danger for all involved,” he said.
“This executive directive can be seen as encouraging behaviors and actions that obstruct federal law enforcement,” Griffith added. “Because the public safety needs of our communities are in Virginia’s best interest, I urge Governor Spanberger to rescind this harmful executive directive.”
Spanberger, a former federal law enforcement officer, said the order issued last week is based on core values that emphasize preserving human life, protecting vulnerable people, and upholding the U.S. and Virginia constitutions.
The order outlines six guiding principles, including prioritizing public trust, avoiding fear-based policing, focusing on criminal enforcement rather than civil status, strengthening officer training and recruitment, and building partnerships among law enforcement, residents, educators, faith leaders, businesses and local governments.
The executive order directs state law enforcement agencies to review all policies, training and practices to ensure they align with those standards.
