Ian Lovejoy, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, said that a new Arlington County policy is compelling the police department to disband its gang unit, thereby threatening public safety. The statement was made on X.
“The Arlington County Board recently voted to prohibit the Arlington Police Department from cooperating with federal immigration officials,” said Ian Travis Lovejoy, Virginia State Representative for 22nd District (R). “As a result, the police department is disbanding its gang unit. This is a real-world consequence of leftwing political correctness that is making communities less safe.”
In May 2025, the Arlington County Board approved a revised “Trust Policy” that significantly limits local police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to WTOP, the policy prohibits Arlington police from contacting or sharing information with ICE except in cases required by law. The aim is to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Supporters argue that this change enhances public safety by encouraging crime reporting.
Before disbanding its Gang Unit in June 2025, the Arlington County Police Department experienced a 12% rise in property crimes in 2024, with such offenses constituting 75% of all criminal incidents. As reported by WSET, the decision to reassign the Gang Unit detective to focus on property crimes was a resource-based response to this increase and not related to immigration policies.
Studies indicate that non-cooperation immigration policies do not lead to higher crime rates and may improve community relations. The Center for American Progress states that localities with sanctuary-type policies often experience better public safety outcomes due to increased trust between immigrant communities and police, which boosts crime reporting and cooperation.
Lovejoy is a Republican delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 22 since 2024. His campaign biography notes that he previously served on the Manassas City Council and has prioritized law enforcement support, public safety, and immigration policy in his legislative agenda. He advocates for stronger cooperation between state and federal agencies.
