Virginia's Senate Bill 1141, introduced on January 8, 2025, aims to amend existing legislation regarding the transfer of incarcerated individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill, sponsored by Senator Sturtevant and Delegate Green, seeks to clarify the process by which local officials can notify ICE of an alien's impending release and facilitate their transfer to federal custody.

The key provision of the bill mandates that the director, sheriff, or other officials in charge of a correctional facility must notify ICE prior to the release of an incarcerated alien. This notification must occur no more than five days before the scheduled release date. Additionally, upon ICE's request, the bill allows for the transfer of custody of the individual to ICE at the time of release, ensuring that the individual receives credit for any remaining time they would have served in state custody.

The introduction of SB 1141 has sparked discussions regarding its implications for immigration enforcement and local law enforcement practices. Proponents argue that the bill strengthens cooperation between state and federal authorities in managing immigration issues, while opponents raise concerns about potential human rights implications and the treatment of vulnerable populations within the immigration system.

As the bill moves to the Committee for Courts of Justice, it is expected to face scrutiny and debate. Stakeholders from various sectors, including civil rights organizations and law enforcement agencies, are likely to weigh in on the potential impacts of the legislation. The outcome of this bill could set a precedent for how Virginia handles the intersection of state incarceration and federal immigration enforcement in the future.