Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville). The Trust Policy prohibits County employees, government agencies, and departments, including the police, from voluntarily sharing information or cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
According to the Great Falls Connection, "The trust policy addressed reports that some undocumented immigrants in the County avoided seeking help during the pandemic out of fear of being deported after information they shared with the County would be disclosed to federal immigration officials. Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee District) said it became clear to him from conversations with a number of nonprofit organizations that there were community members "who were fearful and not willing to come forward and ask for help because they thought they were going to put themselves in jeopardy."
As per Great Falls Connection, "On Friday, Jan. 29, immigrant rights advocacy groups CASA and ACLU People Power Fairfax co-hosted a bilingual press conference. After four years of advocacy, they celebrated the passage of the Trust Policy. Moderators Luis Aguilar of CASA, and Diane Alejandro, with ACLU People Power Fairfax, celebrated and spotlighted comments by McKay, Foust, Palchik, Steve Descano, Commonwealth's Attorney, and members of CASA and ACLU People Power Fairfax."
Maryam
View posts by MaryamMaryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.