Virginia lawmakers are deliberating on a bill aimed at permitting individuals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA) status to serve in law enforcement roles.
Sponsored by State Sen. Jeremy McPike, the bill seeks to open the doors for “Dreamers” to join as officers and deputies. Police Chief Peter Newsham of Prince William County advocated for the measure, highlighting its potential to enhance recruitment efforts and foster a more diverse police force that mirrors the community it serves.
Newsham emphasized the practical advantages, stating, “If you have somebody on the scene who speaks the language and they can translate immediately, it gives us the ability to get to the bottom of crimes more quickly.”
Jemny Marquinez shared her aspirations with lawmakers, expressing her desire to serve as a police officer in Prince William County. Having arrived in the U.S. at the age of 3, Marquinez obtained a criminology degree from George Mason University and currently holds an administrative position within the police department.
“Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of becoming a police officer,” Marquinez affirmed, underscoring her commitment to giving back to the community where she grew up.
While Colorado and California have already enacted laws allowing noncitizens authorized to work to join law enforcement, progress in other states has been impeded by a federal law prohibiting DACA recipients from firearm ownership. However, Newsham dismissed this hurdle, stating, “The current federal statute does not prohibit somebody who is working in law enforcement to carry a gun, so there’s already an exception for somebody who’s a member of law enforcement to carry a weapon.”
Following deliberations, a Senate committee voted to advance the bill for further consideration.