Multiple ICE arrests reported across northern Virginia causing 'wave of anxiety'
ICE arrests spark fear, uncertainty in northern VA communities
FOX 5 is following reports of immigration arrests happening across northern Virginia. In statements sent to FOX 5, both Homeland Security and ICE officials said they do not comment on the specifics of ongoing operations by policy and for officer safety but according to grassroots immigration organizations, several people were taken into custody and detained on Monday.
ARLINGTON, Va. - FOX 5 is following reports of immigration arrests happening across northern Virginia.
Kristi Noem visits Virginia
Big picture view:
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a major law enforcement operation Tuesday, targeting MS-13 and 18th Street gang members.
In a series of posts on X, Noem praised officers for putting their lives on the line to make communities safer, stating that Northern Virginia is more secure following the crackdown on criminal aliens and gang members.
Noem vowed that officials "will not be deterred by leaks" and pledged to pursue those who break U.S. laws.
"If you come to this country and break our laws, we will hunt you down," she wrote.
Activists Concerned
What they're saying:
In statements sent to FOX 5, both Homeland Security and ICE officials said they do not comment on the specifics of ongoing operations by policy and for officer safety but according to grassroots immigration organizations, several people were taken into custody and detained on Monday.
"We know there has been activity in Arlington, Reston, Manassas and other areas throughout Northern Virginia," said Danny Cendjas, an organizer with La ColectiVA.
Video shared by the group on social media shows several ICE agents taking people into custody at an apartment complex in the Buckingham neighborhood in Arlington off of George Mason Drive.
Increase in Arrests
What we know:
ICE officials told FOX 5 that since Jan. 20, the agency has significantly increased its immigration enforcement activities, with assistance from federal law enforcement partners and the DoD.
Two weeks ago, ICE agents, with help from the DEA arrested three undocumented immigrants from Honduras and El Salvador in Sterling, Virginia.
Organizers with La ColectiVA said the feeling in the immigrant community is tense.
"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 also said that they are disappointed that in an area that is largely represented by Democrats, they have not seen lawmakers taking any direct actions.
"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 Help ICE:
Last week, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order telling state police to assist and cooperate with ICE officials.
Youngkin’s order directs localities to cooperate with 287(g), a program designed to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out federal immigration efforts, including deportation. That means police in Virginia can now help with immigration enforcement at the local level and they have the power to work alongside ICE.
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 argue this executive order opens the door to racial profiling and creates distrust between the immigrant community and police.