Virginia LULAC Submits letter of support for SB 783 and Amendments to Virginia Senate Finance Committee
- Virginia LULAC
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
February 6, 2026
Virginia League of United Latin American Citizens (Virginia LULAC) announced that it submitted a formal letter of support yesterday for Senate Bill 783, legislation that would limit agreements between state and local law-enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities and strengthen transparency and accountability in community policing.
SB 783, introduced by Senator Saddam Salim, seeks to place meaningful limitations on federal immigration enforcement cooperation by requiring that any agreement authorizing immigration enforcement functions by state or local officers be written, clearly defined, and time-limited. The bill also expands data collection under the Virginia Community Policing Act to document federal immigration officers’ presence and actions during investigatory stops.
In its letter, Virginia LULAC expressed strong support for the overall goals of SB 783 but also highlighted key areas where the language could be strengthened to ensure meaningful protections for all Virginians. In coordination with the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights and other immigrant advocacy partners, Virginia LULAC suggested amendments to expand the definition of federal immigration enforcement agreements and to clarify that local law-enforcement officers should not engage in immigration enforcement activities — such as questioning a person’s immigration status or using local resources to assist federal enforcement — except as explicitly authorized by the Virginia Legislature. These changes aim to reinforce that immigration enforcement remains a federal responsibility and to safeguard community trust in local policing.
“Virginia LULAC stands with SB 783 in its effort to enhance transparency, protect civil liberties, and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said State Director Christopher Concepcion. “By refining the bill’s language in partnership with immigrant rights organizations, we can ensure that its protections extend fully to all residents of the Commonwealth.”
Virginia LULAC, the state chapter of the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization, represents the interests of Virginia’s Latino community — a rapidly growing population that contributes to every sector of life across the Commonwealth. The organization brings nearly a century of policy experience and community engagement to issues impacting families and communities statewide.
###
About Virginia LULAC
Virginia LULAC is the state chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.
Comments