President Donald Trump campaigned on a pledge of mass deportation of immigrants and quickly acted to fulfill this promise. During a seven day period in February arrests averaged 787 each day compared to 311 daily arrests during President Biden’s last year in office.
The Arlington immigrant community has reacted with fear of the unknown and the possibility of ICE arrests even when immigrants are in the country legally. Mostly everyone has family or knows someone who is in danger of suddenly disappearing.
While the fear of the unknown was causing fear in Arlington neighborhoods, ICE had not been arresting immigrants in Arlington. Then on March 4 ICE took 32 people into custody in Arlington and Falls Church according to FBI Director Kash Patel. One of those arrested in Arlington was seen handcuffed and taken away at an apartment complex on 4th Street N. in the Buckingham Apartments.
ICE arrests have continued since then including one the morning of March 18 in the Ballston area.
In late January the Arlington community reacted swiftly to provide information about the potential response to an ICE arrest. Arlington Public Schools and the Arlington County Police Department provided extensive online information stating their positions and plans ahead of any ICE arrest. Faith-based groups and organizations assisting immigrants with legal issues handed out Know Your Rights cards at apartment buildings and public places to help prepare people ahead of time.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order #47 issued on Feb. 27 directing state law enforcement officials and state corrections officers to assist in the identification and apprehension of criminal illegal immigrants who pose a risk to public safety throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia has added to uncertainty and concern.
However, ACPD Chief Andy Penn said the Arlington police were not involved in these arrests, and the role of the ACPD has not changed. He cites ACPD’s policy 523.04 “Immigration Status and Access to Police Services.”
“The role of the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is to keep our community safe, not to enforce federal immigration laws. APDC does not conduct immigration enforcement investigations.”
Penn continues, “An individual’s right to file a police report, participate in police-community activities, or otherwise benefit from police services is not contingent upon citizenship or immigration status.” He urges residents to visit the resources for immigrants webpage for more detailed information.
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Topics/Resources-Immigrants