Jennifer McClellan on Immigration

Bar questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; State Sen. Jennifer McClellan voted YES; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

Opposed requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; State Sen. Jennifer McClellan voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.