Immigration arrests are being reported across northern Virginia, according to FOX 5.
Activists Concerned
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Here’s what people are saying: According to grassroots immigration organizations, several individuals were apprehended and detained on Monday. In response, both Homeland Security and ICE officials declined to provide specific details about the ongoing operations, citing policy and officer safety concerns (FOX 5).
“We know there has been activity in Arlington, Reston, Manassas and other areas throughout Northern Virginia,” said Danny Cendjas, an organizer with La ColectiVA.
A video posted by the group on social media captures the moment when numerous ICE agents apprehend individuals at an apartment complex in the Buckingham neighborhood of Arlington, located off of George Mason Drive.
Increase in Arrests
Here’s what we know so far: According to FOX 5, ICE officials have reported a substantial increase in immigration enforcement activities since January 20th. This surge in operations has been made possible through collaboration with federal law enforcement partners and support from the Department of Defense.
ICE agents, in collaboration with the DEA, apprehended three individuals from Honduras and El Salvador who were residing in Sterling, Virginia, two weeks ago.
According to La ColectiVA organizers, there is a palpable tension within the immigrant community.
“We know there has been activity in Arlington, Reston, Manassas and other areas throughout Northern Virginia,” said Danny Cendjas, an organizer with La ColectiVA.”Fear. Uncertainty. There’s a wave of anxiety that is affecting folks and that is really worrying the community members,” said Beatriz. “We’ve also heard of people saying ICE agents are door-knocking different apartments claiming they’re looking for people but they’re just knocking on every door looking for everybody. Again, just expanding their net of who they’re trying to target.”
Cendjas expressed disappointment in the lack of direct actions taken by lawmakers in an area that is predominantly represented by Democrats.
“There’s a lot of stress and uncertainty for sure, but I think there’s a lot of anger and recognition of the failure of political leadership in our region,” Cendjas said.
Youngkin Issues Executive Order
Local Police Can Assist ICE: Local law enforcement agencies can play a vital role in supporting the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). By collaborating with ICE, local police departments can contribute to the overall goal of ensuring public safety and enforcing immigration laws.
One of the ways in which local police can assist ICE is through the sharing of information. By sharing relevant data and intelligence, local law enforcement agencies can help identify individuals who may be in violation of immigration laws. This collaboration can lead to the apprehension and removal of individuals who pose a threat to public safety or who are involved in criminal activities.
State police can apprehend “criminal illegal immigrants who pose a risk to public safety” and jails now have to work with ICE and report inmates who are incarcerated.
Immigration attorneys in Virginia believe that this executive order encourages racial profiling and fosters animosity between the immigrant population and police.