Arlington County, a wealthy and politically progressive area in Virginia, has taken a bold step by banning its local police from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision, made by the Arlington County board, was announced by Fox News’ Griff Jenkins, who provided details on the policy change. The measure removes any exceptions for criminal migrants, meaning that local law enforcement will no longer assist ICE in any capacity, including the enforcement of immigration laws.
The move is seen as part of a broader trend of localities and municipalities across the United States seeking to limit the authority of federal immigration agencies. This decision is likely to have implications for the relationship between local and federal law enforcement, potentially leading to legal challenges and debates over the jurisdiction of immigration enforcement.
While the decision may be welcomed by some residents who support policies that promote immigrant rights, it could also raise concerns about public safety and the potential for increased crime in the area. The county’s decision is expected to influence similar policies in other parts of the country, especially in regions where local governments are pushing back against federal immigration policies.