Roanoke bridal shop trafficking allegations, state ends ICE partnership, and Richmond rolls out cost-cutting agenda — WFIR News Express 2/5/26

On this Thursday, February 5, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, prosecutors say a Roanoke bridal shop was used as a hub for a human trafficking and drug operation with more than 50 victims identified, as five people face racketeering charges spanning multiple counties. We also cover Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to end Virginia’s statewide 287(g) agreement, cutting off state law enforcement cooperation with ICE — while local agreements in parts of Southwest and Southside remain in place.From Washington, Senator Tim Kaine criticizes what he calls the vilification of immigrants and points to their economic impact in Virginia. In Richmond, Democrats roll out their “Virginia You Can Afford” agenda focused on lowering costs for medicine, housing, childcare, and electric bills, while labor advocates push to repeal Virginia’s decades-old right-to-work law — a move facing political uncertainty.We also report on Senator Mark Warner’s reaction after President Trump ordered the FBI to seize 2020 election records in Fulton County, Georgia. In Campbell County, a drug suspect is taken into custody after a week-and-a-half search following a major cocaine seizure. In Smyth County, a doctor is arrested on federal child sexual abuse material charges. And we highlight Youth Mental Health Awareness Month, with Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare’s “Break the Stigma” campaign and creative contest aimed at encouraging young people to seek help.That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.