Hopewell, VA – Sheriff Travis L. Stanley of the Hopewell Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed his commitment to cooperating with federal immigration authorities this week, issuing a statement in response to Executive Order No. 10, a new state directive that seeks to limit local coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Stanley, who was recently re-elected to a second term, said his stance remains unchanged and is guided by public safety rather than political pressure. “My deputies and I have and will always cooperate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” Stanley said. “As long as I am Sheriff, we will continue to work with any agency, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This issue is about public safety, not politics.”
In his statement, Stanley defended the department’s role in assisting ICE agents during lawful immigration operations, saying cooperation ensures accountability and safety for both officers and residents. He also noted that his department works with other federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, in apprehending fugitives regardless of their citizenship status.
“The citizens of Hopewell considered that and overwhelmingly voted to re-elect me,” Stanley said, referencing his campaign, during which opponents criticized his cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. “Public safety is not a political issue—it is my top priority. My opposition is to crime, whether committed by legal or illegal participants.”
Stanley added that his responsibility as sheriff is to protect residents, not engage in partisan debate. “I will not allow political messaging to interfere with lawful operations or the safety of my deputies, federal agents, or our residents,” he said.
Key Points: Hopewell sheriff in Virginia vows to continue cooperating with ICE despite new state directive – Hopewell
• Hopewell Sheriff Travis L. Stanley reaffirmed his office’s cooperation with ICE following Executive Order No. 10.
• Stanley said his stance is based on public safety, not politics, and emphasized bipartisan law enforcement cooperation.
• The sheriff, recently re-elected, vowed not to allow political pressure to affect lawful enforcement operations.