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Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has directed an end to the Commonwealth’s 287(g) agreements, taking a stronger step to separate state and local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement.
The action follows Spanberger’s Jan. 17 repeal of former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 47. Youngkin’s order had directed Virginia State Police and the Department of Corrections to enter agreements that allowed state officers to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
That initial repeal removed the requirement for state agencies to participate but did not terminate existing agreements involving ICE, state or local governments, regional jails and sheriffs’ offices. It also did not prevent local agencies from entering new agreements.
Del. Marcus Simon, who represents Virginia’s 13th District, said in a Feb. 9 constituent newsletter that Spanberger has now issued an executive directive ending 287(g) agreements in Virginia. Simon said the move would allow local law enforcement to concentrate on public safety rather than federal immigration enforcement while strengthening trust between police and their communities.
Simon also reported that Spanberger signed legislation advancing constitutional amendments approved by the General Assembly, an essential step toward placing those proposals before Virginia voters.
Black history and the arts take center stage
Historians, artists and cultural experts will gather in Falls Church on Feb. 21 for an interactive examination of how Black history and the arts can challenge stereotypes, promote truth and support a more inclusive society.
“Voices of Resilience: Embracing Black History and the Arts, From Insight to Action” is scheduled from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Meridian High School, 121 Mustang Alley.
The free public symposium is sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity, an initiative of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. Members of the Chi Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. are helping host the program.
The event will include four presenters, audience discussions, music, poetry and tours of the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden and Exhibit. Selby became the first African American student to attend the former George Mason High School in 1961 and its first Black graduate in 1964.
Panelists will include Dwandalyn R. Reece, executive committee chair and curator of music and performing arts at the National Museum of African American History and Culture; George Mason University professor Spencer Crew; Alexandria Black History Museum Director Audrey Davis; and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation board member Irena Chambers.
Inga A. Watkins, a member of the Social Justice Committee, will moderate. Fairfax County Poet Laureate Angelique Palmer will give a reading, and Wammie Award-winning singer Carly Harvey will perform.
Artists Asia Anderson, Roxanne Kaylor and James Hallock will discuss their contributions to the Selby Peace Garden exhibit during guided tours.
Refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to register through the event’s Eventbrite page.
Grocery Outlet plans opening celebration
Grocery Outlet will celebrate its new Falls Church store at 500 S. Washington Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12.
Independent operator Prince Wafa, supported by Omid Wafa, will mark the opening with a $1,000 donation to the Falls Church Community Service Council.
The store will begin welcoming customers at 7 a.m. The first 100 shoppers will receive gift cards with mystery values, including a top prize of $500. Customers making purchases during opening week can receive a free reusable bag while supplies last.
Shoppers may also enter a drawing for $1,000 in free groceries between Feb. 12 and March 13. The opening celebration is open to the public, and no reservation is required.
The Emeryville, California-based discount retailer operates through a network of independently run stores. Grocery Outlet and its subsidiaries have more than 560 locations across Virginia and 16 other states.