Lynchburg backs cooperation with federal law enforcement

(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...