Arlington Officials Urged to Call 911 on ICE, Sparking Backlash

Trump administration calls the directive 'reckless' and warns it will 'directly harm public safety'

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:31am

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The Trump administration has criticized a directive from Arlington County, Virginia officials that urged residents to call 911 to report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The administration said the move will endanger the public and incite unrest, while the county officials maintain the goal is to ensure local law enforcement is aware of situations that could lead to violence.

Why it matters

The clash highlights the ongoing tensions between local jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement, with the Trump administration accusing Arlington officials of intentionally stoking tensions and obstructing law enforcement. The situation also raises concerns about public safety and the role of local police in responding to the presence of federal immigration agents.

The details

Arlington County Board of Supervisors chairman Matt de Ferranti, a Democrat, advised constituents to call 911 to report ICE activity, saying it would help local officials 'pursue Arlington County's law enforcement mission: preventing violence in our community.' However, the Trump administration, through DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, called the directive 'reckless' and said it would 'directly harm public safety' by inciting rioters to obstruct law enforcement. The administration also cited several violent illegal immigrants who were recently detained by ICE in or near Arlington.

  • On Tuesday, Arlington County Board of Supervisors chairman Matt de Ferranti issued the directive to call 911 on ICE.
  • This week, the Trump administration responded to de Ferranti's comments.

The players

Matt de Ferranti

Arlington County Board of Supervisors chairman and a Democrat from the Rock Spring neighborhood.

Tricia McLaughlin

DHS Assistant Secretary who criticized de Ferranti's directive as 'reckless' and warned it would 'directly harm public safety'.

Delvan Lopez Garcia

A criminal illegal alien from Guatemala who was convicted of sex assault, sex assault-carnal abuse, and enticement of a minor for prostitution before being detained by ICE.

Joel Reyes-Aguilar

A criminal illegal alien from Honduras who was convicted of sex assault-sodomy of a girl with strongarm and molestation of a minor before being detained by ICE.

Mesfin Hussin

An Ethiopian national with a homicide conviction who was picked up by ICE.

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What they’re saying

“Inciting people to call 911 when they see ICE is reckless and will directly harm public safety.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (Fox News Digital)

“I was clear on the reason for the recommendation to call 911: not to obstruct or interfere with ICE operations, but to ensure local law enforcement is aware of situations in which there is the potential for violence, as we have seen.”

— Matt de Ferranti, Arlington County Board of Supervisors chairman (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.