Arlington County Board Limits Police Cooperation with ICE, Sparking Controversy

This week, the Arlington County Board in Virginia made a significant decision to restrict police cooperation with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, commonly known as ICE. This move has drawn criticism from various officials, including the state’s attorney general, who argued that it could potentially benefit individuals involved in serious crimes.

Changes to the Trust Policy

After a recent vote, the Board opted to amend certain provisions of the Arlington County Trust Policy. These amendments eliminate specific scenarios where the Arlington County Police Department, known as ACPD, could communicate with ICE regarding immigration enforcement. As a result, local police will have fewer opportunities to alert ICE about undocumented immigrants who may pose a threat to public safety.

The changes were officially outlined on the county’s website, stating that previous language permitting police to contact ICE regarding certain identified individuals has been removed. This step is part of the county’s efforts to promote community trust and ensure residents can interact with local authorities without the fear of federal immigration action.

Reactions from Officials

In response to the vote, Arlington Attorney General Jason Miyares expressed strong disapproval. He asserted that the new policy does not contribute to community safety. He remarked, “Banning local police from alerting ICE about individuals involved in crimes such as human trafficking or terrorism is not an act of compassion. It is negligence.” Miyares’s comments were reported to Fox News, emphasizing the potential risks of the new policy.

Miyares went on to state that this decision could undermine public safety. “The only individuals benefiting from this are those who have engaged in heinous acts, and it puts the entire community at risk,” he added.

Details of the Previous Policy

Previously, the Arlington County Trust Policy, adopted in July 2022, detailed conditions under which the police could engage ICE. The policy allowed ACPD to contact federal immigration authorities if someone was identified as an undocumented immigrant involved in gang activities or tied to violent crimes.

Notably, the earlier policy specified that police could reach out to ICE when they encountered individuals suspected of serious crimes, including terrorism and human trafficking, thereby making it easier for law enforcement to address violent threats.

Policy Shift Justification

Takis Karantonis, chair of the Arlington County Board, explained the rationale behind the revisions. He cited the ongoing erosion of due process rights by the federal administration as a key reason for this policy shift. Karantonis emphasized that the Board aims to create a safe environment for all residents, irrespective of their immigration status.

This policy modification aims to alleviate fear within the community. According to Karantonis, the previous policy contributed to anxiety among residents and hindered their willingness to engage with local law enforcement.

Statewide Implications

The decision has sparked a wider debate about immigration policies within Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin publicly criticized the Arlington County Board’s choice. He described the move as a potential betrayal of their duty to ensure public safety. Youngkin highlighted the importance of cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, especially when dealing with dangerous criminals.

He questioned, “When did protecting violent criminals become more vital than safeguarding the community?” Youngkin reaffirmed the commitment of the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force to continue addressing violent crime in Arlington and throughout the Commonwealth.

Criticism from the Federal Government

The federal government’s response has mirrored that of state officials. Stephen Miller, a prominent policy adviser within the White House, characterized the actions of local leaders as radical and against the interests of American citizens.

Furthermore, Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS Assistant Secretary, condemned the Board’s decision as dangerous. She criticized the prioritization of political agendas over the safety of the community, stating, “These sanctuary politicians are playing Russian roulette with American lives.” McLaughlin reinforced the commitment of DHS to continue deporting criminal illegal aliens and prioritizing public safety.

Impact on Public Safety

Concerns about the implications of reduced cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE continue to grow. Todd M. Lyons, acting Director of ICE, expressed his discontent regarding the Arlington County leaders’ decision. He labeled the move as prioritizing politics over public safety, suggesting that it emboldens criminals and increases risks to residents.

Statistics support these concerns. ICE has reported making 17 arrests within Arlington County this fiscal year, including confirmed gang members linked to MS-13. These figures highlight the complexities of balancing immigration enforcement with public safety needs.

A Community Divided

The current debate reflects a broader national dialogue about the role of local and state governments in managing immigration issues. While advocates argue that policies enhancing trust with immigrant populations are crucial for community safety, others contend that failing to communicate with federal authorities can lead to increased risks for everyone.

As Arlington County navigates the implications of its revised policy, community members remain divided over the best approach to balance safety and immigration concerns. The ongoing discussions will likely shape future policies as local leaders respond to the evolving landscape of immigration and public safety.

Fox News’ Casey Clark contributed to this report.