A Bangladesh-born Virginia state senator has filed three bills to curb local law enforcement involvement with federal immigration authorities, amid escalating national clashes over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
WOW! Bangladesh-born Virginia Sen. Saddam Salim just filed legislation banning any law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
This is the modern Democratic Party. pic.twitter.com/y2A0UydNnf [1]
— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) January 27, 2026 [2]
Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, a Democrat from Fairfax County, introduced SB351, SB352, and SB783 during the 2026 General Assembly session. SB351 would restrict civil immigration arrests [3] inside or near courthouses, addressing concerns that such actions deter witnesses and victims from participating in legal proceedings.
SB352 prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings [4] that conceal their identities, with exceptions for health or safety reasons, and mandates disciplinary actions for violations, including dismissal or decertification.
SB783 bars state and local agencies from cooperating with ICE [5] detainers or other immigration enforcement requests.
Salim described the measures as essential protections against federal overreach. “The three bills I introduced share one goal: ensuring that immigrants, protesters, and all Virginians who value peace and justice know the Commonwealth of Virginia and its law enforcement agencies are on their side,” Salim said in a statement [6].
Is he afraid he’s going to be deported too? https://t.co/CH1A1Z1FSg [7]
— Kerry Slone(Stilettos&Shotguns) (@thereal_SnS) January 27, 2026 [8]
The proposals arrive as ICE reports a sharp rise in threats and violence against its personnel. Over the past year, assaults on ICE officers increased 1,300% [9], vehicular attacks surged 3,200%, and death threats spiked 8,000%, according to the Department of Homeland Security. DHS attributed the uptick to rhetoric from sanctuary advocates.
Virginia’s Democratic-controlled government, solidified in the 2025 elections, provides a pathway for such legislation. Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger won the governorship, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi secured the lieutenant governor post over Republican John Reid, and Jay Jones ousted incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, despite his violent text messages [10] surfacing, giving Democrats a sweep of statewide offices.
The measures could intensify conflicts with the federal government, particularly as President Donald Trump targets sanctuary policies. On Jan. 13, the White House announced it would halt federal funding to sanctuary cities [11] and states starting Feb. 1, citing noncooperation with deportations.
“Sanctuary cities do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens,” President Trump said [12]. The administration ordered reviews of billions in aid to 14 Democratic-led states, including Virginia, affecting grants for public safety, housing, and transportation.
Salim’s bills head to committees, where Democrats hold sway. If enacted, Virginia would align with states like California in limiting ICE access, potentially drawing federal scrutiny.