Arlington County board is secretly plotting to shield dangerous illegal immigrants from ICE deportation by removing the only policy that alerts federal authorities when aliens commit terrorism, gang violence, or other serious felonies.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington County officials are moving to eliminate Section 7 of their Trust Policy, which currently allows police to notify ICE when illegal immigrants are arrested for terrorism, gang activity, and certain felonies.
- The policy change is being pushed through a sparsely attended monthly board meeting with no opportunity for public comment, despite significant public safety implications.
- Board member JD Spain, Sr. and other Democrats are prioritizing “immigrant community trust” over public safety concerns raised by critics.
- This move is part of a broader 2022 initiative by Arlington officials to systematically shield criminal illegal aliens from federal immigration enforcement.
- Critics warn the policy will force police to release potentially dangerous criminal aliens back onto Arlington streets, regardless of the severity of their crimes.
Stealth Vote to Protect Criminal Aliens
Arlington County, Virginia, officials are deliberately planning to vote on a radical immigration policy during a low-attendance meeting where citizens will have no opportunity to voice their concerns. The Democrat-controlled board is set to remove Section 7 from the county’s police policy, which currently allows law enforcement to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when illegal immigrants are arrested for serious offenses, including terrorism, gang membership, and violent felonies. This calculated move appears designed to minimize public scrutiny of a decision that could have serious public safety implications.
“We are about to … remove Section 7,” said Takis Karantonis.
The timing of this policy change is particularly concerning given the Biden administration’s border crisis, which has seen millions of unvetted migrants, including thousands with criminal records, pour into the country. While Arlington residents face rising costs and public service strain from illegal immigration, their elected officials seem determined to protect even the most dangerous criminal aliens from deportation. By deliberately holding this vote during a meeting without public comment, the board is effectively silencing taxpayers while pandering to activist groups.
Democrat Officials Choose Illegal Immigrants Over Public Safety
Board member JD Spain, Sr., who is spearheading this dangerous policy change, has made it clear where his priorities lie – and it’s not with law-abiding Arlington residents. Spain and his fellow Democrats on the board have been systematically dismantling cooperation with federal immigration authorities since 2022, even establishing a police oversight board specifically to target officers who dare to help ICE protect the community from criminal aliens. This latest move represents the culmination of their agenda to transform Arlington into a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, regardless of criminal history.
“We’ve met with folks from different organizations. We’ve heard you.” – JD Spain, Sr.
The board claims this policy will “strengthen trust” with immigrant communities, but fails to explain how forcing police to release potentially dangerous criminals back onto Arlington streets benefits anyone – including legal immigrants who are often the primary victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens. County Board Chair Takis Karantonis has attempted to deflect legitimate public safety concerns by claiming that local justice will still be served, deliberately ignoring the fact that without ICE notification, criminal aliens will simply be released back into the community after serving minimal or no jail time.
Critics Warn of Dire Consequences
Unlike the board’s carefully choreographed pronouncements, some Arlington residents are speaking out about the dangerous implications of this policy change. Community member Audrey Clement has directly challenged the board’s reckless prioritization of illegal immigrants over public safety, warning that eliminating Section 7 will effectively turn Arlington into a sanctuary for criminals who happen to be in the country illegally. Her concerns reflect the reality that without ICE cooperation, Arlington police will be forced to release potentially dangerous individuals who would otherwise be subject to deportation.
“Repeal of Section 7 will release criminal aliens … to continue their life of crime on Arlington streets,” said Audrey Clement.
Arlington’s radical policy change coincides with the county’s increased collaboration with non-governmental organizations specifically designed to shield criminal illegal aliens from arrest and deportation. Since 2022, Arlington officials have been working with these activists to systematically undermine federal immigration enforcement, creating a dangerous environment where even aliens arrested for terrorism or gang activity can avoid ICE detection. This ideologically driven agenda places political virtue signaling above the safety and security of Arlington residents who deserve better from their elected officials.
