Strengthening Legitimacy with our Community with a Trust Policy
The Arlington County Trust Policy was adopted by the County Board on July 19, 2022. The intent of this policy is to adopt and communicate safeguards such that members of our community can interact with their local government, free from concerns about immigration action by the federal government.
At its May 13 Recessed Board meeting, the Arlington County Board voted to remove section 7, and any associated language, from the County’s Trust Policy. This effectively eliminates the instances in which ACPD can initiate contact with ICE regarding immigration enforcement.
Adopted Trust Policy (as of May 2025)
The current Trust Policy, updated as of May 13, 2025, and can be viewed below. (Click here to view the meeting where these changes were adopted).
Board Statement on the May 2025 Changes to the Trust Policy
At its May 13 Recessed Board meeting, the Arlington County Board voted to remove section 7, and any associated language, from the County’s Trust Policy. This effectively eliminates the instances in which ACPD can initiate contact with ICE regarding immigration enforcement.
To be clear: breaking the law is still breaking the law. This decision does not change that, and if a crime is committed, law enforcement will respond.
The decision to remove Section 7 and related language comes in the wake of the federal administration’s ongoing erosion of the constitutional right to due process, which every person has regardless of their status. The rhetoric and actions of this administration have led to tremendous stress and fear in our community, and we want to make sure all residents feel safe in engaging with local government, particularly with local law enforcement.
The County continues to follow state and federal law, but neither requires us to have Section 7. The County has always held that immigration enforcement is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the federal government, and this decision remains consistent with that understanding.
Takis Karantonis, Chair
Arlington County Board
Previous Community Conversations with the County Board
In November of 2021, the County Board hosted a series of listening sessions to learn more from members of our community regarding their experience with government, including including interactions with human services, housing, law enforcement, transportation and other services – and how County government can increase trust and respect in these experiences.
Below are translated summaries of each of the sessions: