Arlington, Virginia blocks police coordination with ICE in move slammed by AG
The Arlington County Board in Virginia recently made the decision to further restrict police cooperation with ICE, sparking controversy and debate among state officials. The move was met with criticism from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, who argued that the decision only benefits illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes such as human trafficking and terrorism.
The changes to the Arlington County Trust Policy included the removal of sections that allowed the police department to initiate contact with ICE regarding immigration enforcement. This decision was made in an effort to ensure that residents can interact with the local government without fear of action by federal immigration authorities.
However, Governor Glenn Youngkin condemned the vote by the Arlington County Board, calling it a “dereliction of duty” and a betrayal of their oath to protect constituents. He expressed concern over the prioritization of protecting violent illegal immigrants over the safety of residents.
The old Trust Policy outlined instances in which the police department could contact ICE, such as when an undocumented immigrant was identified as a gang member wanted for a violent felony or a criminal street gang offense. The updated policy no longer includes this language, which has sparked criticism from officials who believe it puts public safety at risk.
Despite the backlash, Arlington County officials defended their decision, citing concerns about the erosion of due process rights for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that all residents feel safe in engaging with local government and law enforcement.
The debate over immigration enforcement policies continues to be a contentious issue, with federal authorities expressing frustration over the restrictions placed on local law enforcement. ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons criticized Arlington County leaders for prioritizing politics over public safety and warned that prohibiting local law enforcement from alerting federal authorities to criminal offenders puts communities at risk.
Overall, the decision by the Arlington County Board to limit police cooperation with ICE has sparked a heated debate among state officials and raised concerns about the impact on public safety. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect the community and law enforcement efforts in Arlington County.
