Richmond Mayor Danny Avula issued a statement addressing recent activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city. The mayor emphasized that Richmond should be a place where all residents feel safe accessing city services, reporting crimes, and engaging with local government, regardless of their immigration status.
Avula expressed concern about the ICE actions, stating: “The recent ICE activity is deeply concerning. It undermines the trust that is essential between law enforcement and the communities they serve. As an immigrant myself, I am extremely mindful of the fear and uncertainty such actions create.”
He clarified that Richmond does not coordinate with ICE on deportation matters. “Richmond does not and will not coordinate with ICE on deportation. RPD Chief Edwards and I are in lockstep in our support of local communities, and the Richmond Police Department has not signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Our officers are here to protect our neighborhoods, not to enforce federal immigration policies,” Avula said.
Regarding technology used by local police, Avula noted that while the Richmond Police Department uses License Plate Reader technology to help solve major crimes quickly, there are safeguards in place for data privacy. “Flock has a 21-day data retention policy, after which all of the data is deleted. The Richmond Police Department will not share Flock data with other federal agencies and now performs regular audits of accounts to ensure no one has unintentional access,” he stated.
Avula outlined steps moving forward: “We will continue to provide residents with information about their Constitutional rights and direct folks to private law firms and service providers through our Navigation Services and trusted community partners.” He added: “I will continue to do everything within my power to protect and support Richmonders – no matter where they come from, because our strength comes from the diversity, resilience, and contributions of all who call it home.” The mayor also committed to meeting with families affected by recent detentions.
