Virginia lawmakers react to ICE arrests at the Chesterfield County Courthouse

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares are defending the federal government as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to take people into custody at the Chesterfield County Courthouse. 

Youngkin said the arrests “make sense” because of Virginia’s partnership with ICE to ensure violent criminals who are in the United States illegally are arrested.

“We are now through over 2,000 arrests as part of the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force. It’s working, and most importantly, we’re getting really tough bad guys off the street,” Youngkin told 8News. 

“What you’re seeing overwhelmingly are people that have already had their day in court, so they’re either a violent criminal, or they’ve already had their day in court, they’ve been ordered to be deported. I have a strong suspicion that’s what’s happening in Chesterfield,” Miyares said.

However, Delegate Mike Jones (D-Richmond), who represents parts of Chesterfield County, said ICE hasn’t provided any evidence to show that those who were arrested were actually violent criminals. 

“They’re just dressed in basic clothes, but then they’re snatching people,” Jones said. "What type of message is that to send in America?”

Jones added that ICE is striking fear into the community, something that may lead to immigrants not reporting criminal activity or refusing to show up to courts for any reason. 

"They will remain silent, and that just means they are opening themselves up to be targeted even more,” Jones said. 

RELATED: Virginia leaders respond after 14 people detained by ICE at Chesterfield courthouse

ICE told 8News all of the individuals taken into custody at the Chesterfield County Courthouse “were arrested for immigration violations.”