Arlington County leaders move to shield criminal aliens from deportation by eliminating police cooperation with ICE, even for terrorists and gang members.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington County officials plan to eliminate Section 7 of the “Trust Policy,” which currently allows police to notify ICE about arrests involving terrorism, gang membership, and other serious felonies.
- The policy change, championed by Democrat board members, would prevent local law enforcement from informing federal immigration authorities about undocumented immigrants in custody regardless of crime severity.
- Proponents claim the change will strengthen trust with immigrant communities, while critics argue it endangers public safety by allowing potentially dangerous individuals to avoid federal scrutiny.
- The decision is expected to be made during a May 13 board meeting where no public comment will be taken, despite significant community interest in the issue.
Democrats Push to Block ICE from Criminal Alien Information
Arlington County, Virginia, is on the verge of implementing a radical policy that would prevent local police from notifying federal immigration authorities when undocumented immigrants are arrested, even for serious crimes like terrorism and gang activity. The county’s Democrat-controlled board plans to eliminate Section 7 of the county’s Trust Policy, which currently allows police to inform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about arrests related to terrorism, gang membership, specific felonies, or when officers determine it necessary for community safety.
Board Chair Takis Karantonis confirmed the pending action, saying, “We are about to … remove Section 7.” This decision continues efforts that began in 2022 to restrict ICE’s access to criminal aliens in Arlington County and represents another step toward making the jurisdiction a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, regardless of criminal behavior. The policy change is expected to be finalized at a sparsely attended monthly board meeting on May 13, with no opportunity for public comment.
“Repeal of Section 7 will release criminal aliens … to continue their life of crime on Arlington streets,” Said Audrey Clement
Trust Policy or Public Safety Threat?
Proponents of the change frame it as necessary to strengthen trust with immigrant communities. Board member JD Spain, Sr., who has championed the policy change, stated, “We’ve met with folks from different organizations. We’ve heard of you.” The implication is that immigrant communities fear interacting with local police who might cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Supporters argue that eliminating Section 7 will encourage undocumented immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation.
Critics counter that this decision prioritizes the interests of people in the country illegally over public safety. The policy would prevent ICE from being notified even about undocumented immigrants arrested for terrorism, gang activity, or other serious crimes that threaten community safety. The Trump administration’s reinforced immigration enforcement policies have clearly influenced Arlington officials to create barriers to federal immigration enforcement, regardless of the potential consequences for law-abiding residents.
“We’ll provide feedback and our opinions” Said Takis Karantonis regarding how the board will handle the decision.
Systematic Dismantling of Immigration Enforcement
Arlington County’s proposed policy change isn’t occurring in isolation. Since 2022, the county has systematically worked to hinder cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Officials have established a police oversight board specifically to address situations where officers might cooperate with ICE against county policies. The county has also collaborated with non-governmental organizations to protect criminal illegal aliens from arrest and deportation, creating a comprehensive shield against federal immigration enforcement.
Board Chair Karantonis attempts to reassure critics by claiming that local justice will still be served for those arrested on criminal charges. However, this ignores the reality that releasing criminal aliens back into the community after local charges are resolved, rather than allowing ICE to process them for potential deportation, creates unnecessary public safety risks. The policy effectively treats deportation as a punishment to be avoided rather than a legitimate function of national immigration policy enforcement Stated by, Karantonis
