# Virginia immigration policy controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/virginia-immigration-policy-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-05T10:07:11.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Governor Abigail Spanberger is facing criticism from federal authorities following a fatal stabbing in Staunton, Virginia. The suspect, identified as undocumented Mexican immigrant Freddi Chigo Mil, faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer to prevent Mil’s release from local custody. The incident has intensified tensions between the state and federal government due to Spanberger’s previous executive order rescinding local resource allocation for civil immigration enforcement. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized the state’s sanctuary-friendly policies, stating, “this is what the Commonwealth of Virginia has become under the sanctuary policies of Gov. Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians.” The Department of Homeland Security further accused the administration of releasing “murderers” and “terrorists” into the community. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Virginia Governor Spanberger faces scrutiny over voting rights letters sent to deceased felons Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's administration is facing scrutiny after sending voting rights restoration notices to deceased felons following a mass restoration of rights for 66,000 individuals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-governor-spanberger-faces-scrutiny-over-voting-rights-letters-sent-to-deceased-felons ### 2026-09-17: Virginia Governor Spanberger faces DHS criticism over immigration policies Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger faces backlash after ICE requested she not release a Mexican immigrant charged with murder following a fatal stabbing spree in Staunton. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-governor-spanberger-faces-dhs-criticism-over-immigration-policies --- Cite as: Virginia immigration policy controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/virginia-immigration-policy-controversy