In Arlington County, Virginia, just across the river from Washington, D.C., the local government is looking to impose stricter limitations on police collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Democratic members of the county board are aiming to prevent police from engaging with ICE during local arrests by amending the county’s Trust Policy, as reported by Arlnow News.
Notably, board member JD Spain Senior is advocating for the removal of Section 7, which currently permits local police to inform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they detain undocumented individuals.
Supporters of this initiative aim to stop police from alerting ICE about individuals considered undocumented immigrants or gang members, especially those seen as threats to community safety. Activists are keen on safeguarding these groups.
Local resident Audrey Clement expressed strong opposition to the elimination of Section 7, warning that the change could jeopardize community safety. She stated, “Abolishing Section 7 will allow criminal aliens to continue their criminal activities on Arlington streets.”
If Section 7 is repealed, it would mark another move by county officials to shield criminal offenders, continuing a trend that began in 2022.
The board has also established a police oversight board to investigate officers who may collaborate with ICE in ways that contradict the county’s immigration policies.
Additionally, in 2022, officials began partnering with non-governmental organizations dedicated to protecting undocumented immigrants from criminal charges and deportation.
