For Immediate Release: August 18, 2025
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – We are disheartened that Governor Youngkin has expressed support for utilizing state resources to deploy the National Guard on behalf of I.C.E. activity. Although we are not surprised by his alignment with President Trump’s position on the matter, we are discouraged by the lack of humanity that is shown toward our immigrant communities in Virginia. This is not a service to his constituents.
Not only does using the Virginia National Guard imply an unnecessary threat of force, but experts have also deemed the move to be “unusual” since deploying the troops into communities is generally reserved for national emergencies, like natural disasters. Youngkin’s support for this action speaks to his perspective of the immigrant and immigrant-descended communities he serves. If the governor is willing to use state resources to cooperate with the I.C.E. agenda, we must question what other measures will be taken that will put our communities at risk.
We deserve to feel safe in our own communities – all of us. Virginia Organizing is committed to empowering our communities to stand up for what is best for all Virginians, and to ensure that the needs of directly-affected members of our communities are met. We stand with our friends, families, and neighbors of immigrant communities by uplifting our voices to amplify the sound of those who feel unsafe to raise their own.
We hear you. We support you. We stand with you.
Lily Hungarland
Chairperson
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Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia.
