By: Chase Alexander
As the November midterm elections draw closer, political candidates are making appearances across Virginia, including outreach to college students.
Earlier this month, Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, who is seeking reelection to Virginia’s only U.S. Senate seat on the ballot this November, invited student journalists from universities across the state to participate in a press call, where he discussed his campaign and addressed questions about artificial intelligence, health care, immigration enforcement, and other issues.
One issue Warner addressed that is relevant to Norfolk State University (NSU) is the potential presence of immigration enforcement officers on college campuses. Reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on or near campuses have surfaced in several states. In October, at least two news outlets reported sightings of ICE officers on or near college campuses in California and Colorado. In February, an unverified social media post claimed that an ICE officer was stationed in a 7-Eleven parking lot near NSU’s main entrance.
Norfolk has also seen ICE enforcement activity in recent months, including an incident in early October when four people were detained by ICE near Maple Avenue in the Willoughby Terrace neighborhood.
When asked whether there should be plans to regulate ICE, particularly on college campuses, Warner spoke more broadly about the agency’s use of force, which has sparked controversy nationwide.
“ICE has gotten way out of hand,” Warner said. He also reiterated efforts by himself and other Democrats in Congress to change ICE enforcement practices, including requiring agents to identify themselves and limiting their use of masks during raids.
During the press call, Warner was also asked about his stance on automated license plate readers, a technology that has drawn increased public criticism and debate over privacy concerns. Earlier this year, The Spartan Echo reported on the use of license plate reader cameras at Norfolk State University. Publicly available records from a Norfolk-based federal court case currently on appeal showed that the university had 17 of these cameras installed around campus.
Warner did not comment directly on the use of these cameras on college campuses but discussed broader concerns about surveillance technology.
“I think Flock went so far over the top, and they were so pervasive. That’s too far, but where the line should be, I’m not 100% sure yet,” Warner said.
In addition to ICE and license plate surveillance technology, Warner discussed regulating artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and expanding access to affordable health care. He called for greater transparency from AI companies and stronger safety regulations. Warner also opposed cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage and advocated moving toward universal health care.
Warner also explained why he decided to seek another term in office, pointing to his opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration.
“I was not going to quit during the middle of a Trump term when so many of our basic values were being overcome, underwritten, [and] destroyed,” Warner said.
Warner first took office in 2009 and is seeking a fourth term in the U.S. Senate.
The midterm elections will take place Nov. 3, with Warner facing Republican Bert Mizusawa. Voters will also decide races for the U.S. House of Representatives.
