The Virginia Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF), a federal-state partnership established by the United States Department of Justice to combat transnational organized crime, gang violence, and immigration violations in Virginia, passed 500 arrests this week, according to Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Youngkin claims that of the 521 arrests made since the operation began in February, 132 are affiliated with gangs such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, other transnational organized crime (TOC) organizations, and criminal gangs.
“Thanks to the brave men and women of our federal and state law enforcement, more than 500 criminal illegal immigrants, including more than 130 gang members, are off of Virginia’s streets and facing justice for their crimes,” said Governor Youngkin. “All Virginians should be proud that our State Troopers and Corrections Officers are a part of this incredible team of over 200 law enforcement officers. I am grateful for the leadership of President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, Secretary Noem, Director Patel, and Acting Director Lyons. What’s happening in Virginia is a model that should be replicated all across the country.”
“This is the product of unprecedented collaboration between state and federal law enforcement entities working to protect Virginia’s communities,” said United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Governor Youngkin and Attorney General Miyares have been incredible partners with the Department of Justice, and we will collaborate with every state in effectuating President Trump’s Make America Safe agenda.”
The task force is led by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik S. Siebert, and includes individuals from the following agencies:
· U.S. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
· Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
· U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
· U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Services (DSS)
· Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
· U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)
· Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (BATFE)
· U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and U.S. Customs Air Marine
· High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force
· Virginia State Police
· Virginia Department of Corrections
The VHSTF was formally introduced on March 3. VHSTF operations will continue, with partner agencies pursuing long-term narcotics, violent gang, and transnational organized crime investigations as directed by their respective authorities.
Governor Youngkin signed Executive Order 47 on February 27, 2025, directing Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Corrections to sign 287(g) memoranda with ICE ERO, allowing the agencies to directly execute federal immigration law. ICE apparently approved the deals in 20 hours, which is a record.
