Amid the “fear, confusion, and concern” about the current state of immigration enforcement, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins issued a statement expressing commitment to Alexandria being a city where all residents are supported, respected, and valued and where all are welcome.

But Alexandria is also a city that will follow federal and state laws and act accordingly. Based on Gaskins’ message and the resources she directed the public to, the city’s position is — just like it’s not the city’s role to enforce federal tax, patent, or commerce regulations, Alexandria will not be assisting with immigration enforcement, which is also a federal responsibility.

Throughout the material, it’s emphasized that Alexandria will focus on the work of local government but will comply with requirements from the state and federal governments.

Alexandria isn’t closed to ICE

Gaskins’ message made clear that federal officers can come into the city and take enforcement action. But Alexandria law enforcement officers, including police, deputy sheriffs, and fire marshals don’t participate in ICE raids or arrests for immigration, she said.

“I have the utmost confidence in our law enforcement officers. They will continue to carry out their duties with integrity — following the law and protecting the constitutional and civil rights of all people.”

However, she also noted, “We take seriously our responsibility to comply with federal and state law.”

Sanctuary city?

Gaskins pointed the public to the city’s Immigration Information and Resources webpage, which was updated yesterday, January 28.

At the top, it notes that Alexandria passed a resolution in 2007 affirming the city as a “welcoming community.” But further down it takes on the question of whether Alexandria is a sanctuary city and responds by noting that term has no set definition.

Alexandria “is not a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ under any uses of the term that refer to violation of federal or state laws,” the page clarifies. And it reiterates that Alexandria will follow all federal and state immigration laws.

Crime & law enforcement

Alexandria “will aggressively prosecute individuals who threaten our security with serious crimes, including checking the immigration status of any such person and forwarding this information to appropriate state and federal officials.”

Also, that resource page makes clear, The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is required by law to communicate with ICE.

Further communicating that Alexandria doesn’t plan to openly flout the federal government’s efforts, the FAQ’s ask whether Alexandria can decline to comply with federal law. It answers with a straight-forward “No.” And goes on to say, “The City is obligated to comply with any constitutional federal or state law.”