Immigrant Detention Center Proposed in Va.

Stolle stressed that the center would not be used to house immigrants whose only crime is being in the country illegally, nor would it house those convicted of serious crimes such as homicide.

Instead, it would house illegal immigrants arrested and charged with less serious offenses -- such as driving under the influence -- who state officials and ICE agree should be forced to leave the United States.

The crime commission plans to formally take up the proposal at a public hearing in two weeks. Several local governments in Virginia are also moving forward with proposals to address illegal immigration.

Kaine, in a radio interview Tuesday, warned of "all kinds of unintended consequences" of having a "patchwork of cities and towns" with different policies related to illegal immigration.

Instead of enacting new local laws, Kaine said, the state should step up the pressure on the federal government.

"It's not the border between West Virginia and Virginia that is the problem," Kaine said. "It is outrageous this issue keeps getting pushed off to the cities and counties and states."

In another immigration matter Tuesday, Kaine administration officials and moderate Senate Republicans teamed to select a chairman for the new Virginia Commission on Immigration. The commission will advise Kaine and the General Assembly on what, if any, state policies should be adopted to address illegal immigration.

The 20-member panel was established this year through legislation sponsored by Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William). Because he sponsored the bill, Marshall said he should head the committee. But because Marshall has a reputation for being conservative and combative, Kaine administration officials and Senate GOP leaders persuaded Sen. John C. Watkins (R-Chesterfield) to challenge Marshall for the chairman's position.

Watkins, a moderate who owns a nursery that employs legal migrant workers, won on a 16 to 3 vote. Marshall accused Kaine of trying to "manipulate" the commission's work.

Delacey Skinner, Kaine's communication director, responded: "The important thing is we have an illegal immigration commission that should make recommendations that will hopefully give the governor and General Assembly some guidance."