Virginia ICE policy raised in House oversight hearing

(The Center Square) – Warrants used, whether administrative or judicial, in the ongoing controversy of ICE cooperation in Virginia were cited Wednesday during Judiciary Committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told lawmakers Wednesday that federal immigration enforcement relies on administrative warrants. First-term Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger is requiring a judicial warrant before local officials cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

For federal judges, warrants relate to federal crimes. However violent offenses, such as a February stabbing in Fairfax County, are violations of state laws.

Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., said the policy of Spanberger could limit coordination between Virginia law enforcement agencies and ICE.

Cline referenced a recent arrest in Strasburg in which local law enforcement cooperated with ICE to detain what it believes is an MS-13 gang member authorities said was wanted on an immigration detainer. The...