Amid ICE Raid Concerns, Alexandria Mayor Clarifies City's Role

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria's mayor is responding to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement's increased enforcement across the U.S.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins released a statement indicating that City of Alexandria police officers, sheriff's deputies and fire marshals do not participate in ICE raids or arrests to enforce immigration laws. According to the city's policy, Alexandria police officers do not arrest people only based on administrative warrants or civil detainers for immigration status, but they will make an arrest based on an active criminal warrant.

While city law enforcement doesn't carry out immigration raids themselves, the mayor said the city will comply with all federal and state laws related to immigration.

"We take seriously our responsibility to comply with federal and state law," Gaskins said. "The City also remains committed to upholding the civil rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status."

That policy is part of a resolution Alexandria City Council adopted in 2007. According to the policy, the city will also prosecute people charged with serious crimes and will check immigration status and forward it to the proper state and federal officials.

Outside of state and federal law requirements, the city does not inquire or report citizenship status for those seeking city services or protection under city laws.

"As your Mayor, I want to emphasize that Alexandria is committed to being a city where all residents are supported, respected, and valued," Gaskins said in her statement. "We will always be a community where all are welcome."

ICE has made thousands of arrests since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, according to NBC News. In Fairfax County south of Alexandria, NBC4 reported that ICE was knocking on residents' doors at the Beacon Hill Apartments.

In addition, a directive issued Jan. 20 by the Department of Homeland Security allows for immigration enforcement actions to happen in "sensitive areas" like schools, reversing a Biden administration policy. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said immigrants violating the law "will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest."

At Alexandria City Public Schools, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt reaffirmed the right of students to public education regardless of immigration status, ALX Now reported. However, the superintendent said ACPS had to follow lawful orders from ICE and other law enforcement.

Students have the right to public education regardless of their immigration status, according to the 1982 Plyer v. Doe decision by the Supreme Court. The case came when Texas enacted a law allowing school districts to deny enrollment to undocumented students, which the Supreme Court said violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

In addition, Kay-Wyatt pointed to the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects privacy of student information.

In light of the federal actions to ramp up immigration enforcement, ACPS directed families to the city's link on immigrant resources and information.

As part of his campaign platform, President Donald Trump vowed to immediately launch a nationwide immigration crackdown, including in sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal agencies. In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin had introduced a budget proposal to withhold state funding from localities that do not cooperate with ICE. That involves notifying ICE 48 hours before the release of an undocumented immigrant who committed a crime. Under the proposal, localities not cooperating would lose the 599 funding for localities with police departments. However, that proposal faces uncertainty with the Democratic-controlled Virginia House of Delegates and Senate.