What we are prioritizing in Virginia
- Statewide ban on 287(g) agreements: Keep local law enforcement focused on community safety, not acting as an extension of ICE.
- Definition of Islamophobia in law: Establish clarity and recognition to strengthen protections and accountability.
- Opposition to misuse of the IHRA definition: Fight antisemitism without chilling protected speech or suppressing Palestinian voices.
- Creation of a MENA Advisory Board: Ensure MENA Virginians have a direct line to the governor’s office and equitable representation.
1) Ban 287(g) statewide
Virginia localities participating in 287(g) agreements allow federal immigration enforcement to operate through local sheriff departments. In practice, these arrangements can increase the risk of profiling and create fear in immigrant communities, discouraging residents from reporting crimes, seeking help, or cooperating as witnesses. Public safety depends on trust. A statewide ban would help ensure that local law enforcement resources are used for community protection rather than immigration enforcement functions that belong to the federal government.
2) Establish a clear definition of Islamophobia
Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate are not abstract concerns; they shape how Muslim Virginians experience school, work, travel, civic participation, and engagement with public institutions. Yet without a clear definition, government agencies and institutions often lack the tools to consistently identify anti-Muslim bias or respond with appropriate accountability. A definition of Islamophobia in Virginia law would provide recognition and clarity, strengthen the foundation for civil rights protections, and support more consistent responses to discrimination and hate.
3) Oppose the IHRA definition when used to chill speech
Emgage Action supports fighting antisemitism in all its forms. At the same time, we oppose approaches that have been used to conflate legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism and to silence Palestinian voices. When institutions adopt frameworks that are applied in this way, the result is a chilling effect on constitutionally protected speech, academic freedom, and human rights advocacy. Virginia should reject any policy framework that limits the ability of residents to speak out against injustice or punishes lawful political expression.
4) Create a MENA Advisory Board
Virginia’s Middle Eastern and North African communities contribute to the Commonwealth’s culture, economy, and civic life, yet they remain underrepresented in formal state-level engagement. While other communities already have advisory boards that provide a structured channel to the governor’s office, MENA Virginians lack comparable recognition and access. Establishing a MENA Advisory Board would help elevate community concerns, support MENA businesses, and ensure culturally informed policymaking—moving from informal outreach to durable representation.
Why this agenda matters
- Stronger public safety: Trust-based community safety improves reporting, cooperation, and prevention.
- Equal protection: Naming and addressing Islamophobia strengthens consistency and accountability.
- Protected speech: Virginia should combat hate without suppressing lawful advocacy and human rights work.
- Real representation: Formal advisory structures ensure MENA communities are not left out of state decision-making.
Virginia can protect civil liberties and public trust while addressing hate and ensuring safety for all residents. Emgage Action will work with community partners and policymakers to advance these priorities and oppose policies that spread fear, enable profiling, or silence constitutionally protected advocacy.