Virginia-Washington immigration partnership ‘doesn’t look good,’ border czar says

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s “border czar,” thinks it’s unlikely he’ll work with recently sworn-in Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger.

He said during an interview on a Thursday episode of the conservative podcast “Ruthless” that Spanberger doesn’t appear willing to cooperate with the administration on immigration matters.

“I hope we can work together, but it doesn’t look good,” Homan said.

The National News Desk requested comment from the governor but hasn’t received a response.

Spanberger said in a speech to Virginia lawmakers on Monday that she plans to work with the federal government on “shared priorities.” But, she noted, she also has a “responsibility” to Virginia residents.

“So when federal actions attack and threaten Virginia jobs, I will not hesitate to push back. When federal chaos created uncertainty for Virginia families, I will work to provide stability. When Washington fails to lead with dignity and respect and follow the rule of law, Virginia will,” Spanberger said.

“Above all else, my job as governor is to provide what the federal government too often has not: predictability, steadiness and an unrelenting focus on the people we serve,” she added.

The Trump administration has eliminated hundreds of thousands of federal jobs, some of which were held by Virginia residents. It has also targeted immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, including those residing in the state.

Spanberger said during her inaugural speech that she would focus on the safety and security of all Virginia residents, including “hardworking, law-abiding immigrant neighbors.”

“Growing up, my parents always taught me that when faced with something unacceptable, you must speak up,” Spanberger said.

“You must take action, you must right what you believe is wrong and fix what isn’t working.”

President Donald Trump hasn’t spoken much about Spanberger, although he criticized her while showing support for her Republican opponent, then-Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, weeks before election day.

“I think the Republican candidate is very good, and I think she should win, because the Democrat candidate’s a disaster,” Trump said in October. “So, I haven’t been too much involved in Virginia. I love the state. I did very well in the state. But I will tell you I think the Republican candidate is excellent, and I think the Democrat candidate is a disaster.”

Spanberger defeated Earle-Sears by over 15 percent of the vote. The economy was one of the most important issues for voters, some of whom were affected by federal job losses.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.