Governor Youngkin praises joint law enforcement operation for removing hundreds of criminals and gang members from Virginia streets
Richmond, Virginia – The Virginia Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF), a federal-state law enforcement alliance created by the U.S. Department of Justice, has exceeded 500 arrests since its launch in February, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Monday. The milestone reflects the results of a coordinated crackdown targeting transnational organized crime, gang violence, and immigration violations throughout Virginia.
Since operations began on February 25, the VHSTF has made a total of 521 arrests. Among those arrested, 132 individuals were confirmed to be affiliated with criminal gangs such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other transnational organized crime groups operating across the state.
“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 Glenn 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.”
High-Level Collaboration Fuels Operation’s Success
The unprecedented coordination between local, state, and federal agencies has been praised as a key to the task force’s early success. United States Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged the importance of strong partnerships in law enforcement.
“This is the product of unprecedented collaboration between state and federal law enforcement entities working to protect Virginia’s communities,” said 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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this praise, calling VHSTF a model for effective collaboration. “The FBI is proud to work with Attorney General Bondi, Governor Youngkin, and Virginia AG Miyares in this effort. Our early numbers so far have been a tremendous success, but we are just beginning,” Patel said.
Strong Support from Immigration and Homeland Security Officials
The task force’s immigration enforcement efforts have also been supported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons highlighted the expanded reach of the 287(g) program, which allows state officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement.
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is proud to partner with Governor Youngkin and the Commonwealth of Virginia to keep our communities safe,” Lyons said. “Since Jan. 20, ICE has arrested and removed unprecedented numbers of dangerous gang affiliates from Virginia’s communities.”
Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole added, “The significant number of arrests and ongoing investigations highlight the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to complex enforcement challenges. The Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Corrections are proud to work alongside our federal and local partners to enforce immigration laws and target transnational criminal organizations that threaten every community across Virginia and the nation.”
Broad Coalition of Agencies Driving Results
The VHSTF is led by U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert and includes personnel from ICE, FBI, DEA, DSS, HSI, USMS, BATFE, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. On the state level, the Virginia State Police and Virginia Department of Corrections play a key role.
Operations are set to continue with the task force focusing on long-term investigations into narcotics, violent gang activity, and transnational crime. These efforts follow Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 47, signed on February 27, 2025, which authorized Virginia state agencies to sign 287(g) agreements with ICE. According to officials, ICE approved the agreements within 20 hours — reportedly the fastest approval on record.
The VHSTF was formally announced on March 3 and is already being looked to as a national model for tackling complex crime challenges through deep collaboration between federal and state authorities.
