The recent comments made by Arlington County Board Vice Chair Matt de Ferranti have ignited a fierce debate about local immigration policy. His suggestion for residents to call 911 upon spotting federal immigration agents has drawn sharp criticism and scrutiny. The tensions highlight a rift between local governance and federal enforcement as Arlington solidifies its stance against cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
De Ferranti’s remark surfaced amid discussions on the county’s updated Trust Policy, which limits law enforcement’s ability to engage with federal agents, even in serious cases involving violence or gangs. He reportedly said, “Call 911 when you see ICE.” The backlash was immediate, with calls for a criminal investigation and demands for oversight from federal agencies like the FBI. A tweet reflecting this concern exclaimed, “This is DANGEROUS. FBI should pay him a visit!”
Controversy centers around the County Board’s decision to remove specific provisions from its Trust Policy. On May 13, 2024, the Board unanimously voted to strip Sections 7 and 8, which had previously mandated that Arlington Police reach out to ICE under certain circumstances, such as serious criminal offenses. This decision effectively stops any proactive engagement by local officers with federal authorities unless legally required.
The change was framed by Board Chair Takis Karantonis, who stated, “We are not going to allow any more that our law enforcement proactively contacts the federal government.” This marks a significant shift in policy, with officials asserting it is essential for maintaining public safety. They argue fear of deportation has deterred undocumented immigrants from calling the police during emergencies. “We have seen a significant decrease of trust…especially in our immigrant community,” Karantonis said. This decline, he contends, correlates with decreased safety within the community.
Defending the legality of the policy shift, de Ferranti stated, “Arlington must and will follow federal law.” He emphasized that, “The facts have changed, so our policies must change.” Other county officials echoed his sentiments, with Board members pointing out broader systemic issues. Maureen Coffey voiced concerns over federal immigration processes, calling them “not normal,” while Susan Cunningham underscored the importance of trust as the bedrock of their community.
Despite these assurances, the Board’s decision has brought criticism. Russell Hott, director of ICE’s Washington Field Office, warned the policy may attract criminal elements. “Communities…end up being magnets for individuals looking for refuge,” he cautioned. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin criticized the Board’s actions as a betrayal of their responsibilities, labeling the decision a “dereliction of duty.”
While Arlington County police can no longer notify ICE about undocumented arrests, the county still adheres to certain state and federal data-sharing requirements. As de Ferranti acknowledged, individuals in detention must be documented in national databases available to ICE. Yet, the county’s refusal to honor ICE detainers, unless supported by judicial warrants, marks a definitive stance—one that many view as creating a “sanctuary jurisdiction.”
Immigration attorney Miguel Palmeiro highlighted the fears many undocumented immigrants face. He shared a story of a woman who was reluctant to report a robbery. “She doesn’t have legal status,” he noted, recounting her worries about police knowing her address and the threat of deportation. This fear underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in engaging with immigrant communities, where mistrust can result in unreported crimes.
Advocates for the new policy argue it fosters trust and encourages crime reporting, potentially enhancing public safety. However, opponents warn that this may lead to gaps in law enforcement’s ability to remove individuals who pose a danger to society. Matthew Hurtt, Chairman of the Arlington County Republican Committee, voiced concerns, noting, “Northern Virginia residents are deeply concerned about crime…from the illegal alien community.”
Statistical support for either argument is somewhat lacking. Board members referenced a decline in immigrant crime reporting without offering specific local data. Conversely, ICE reported a surge in arrests—189 individuals in the D.C. area, including Arlington—which highlights the ongoing challenges of crime and safety in the context of immigration.
The fallout from de Ferranti’s remarks extends beyond policy discussions. Critics argue that encouraging calls against federal agents misuses crucial 911 services and potentially obstructs legitimate law enforcement efforts. Although no formal inquiries have been initiated yet, calls for an investigation are gaining traction, particularly within conservative circles.
As Arlington navigates its updated immigration policies, the conflict between local autonomy and federal law enforcement remains unresolved. The future impact of this policy shift may reveal whether it effectively bolsters community safety or creates new vulnerabilities. For now, the county’s actions embody a broader national debate over immigration and the role of local governments in addressing it.
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