Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids are sweeping across Northern Virginia this week. The Connection confirmed ICE action took place this week in Reston, the Town of Herndon, and Arlington County. In two of three of these, enforcement removal occurred.
The ICE action in Reston took place at Cornerstones' Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Cornerstones responded on Wednesday morning: "On Monday, March 3, 2025, Department of Homeland Security officers arrived at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter with an arrest warrant. The individual was not at the shelter, so the officers left. There was no enforcement removal. Cornerstones’ policy is not to answer questions or provide details about our shelter guests."
Whether enforcement actions result in removal or not, they ignite fear, traumatizing the immigrant communities and others. Family members, including children, are being swept into the uncertainty of the deportations.
The Department of Homeland Security posted on Feb. 14, "We have immediately gone after the worst of the worst first. Dangerous criminals do not belong in our communities. President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem are delivering results to make America safe again."
Four days after Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order Number Forty-Seven (2025) on Thursday, Feb. 27, which gives local law enforcement the power to assist ICE, Va. Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) learned an immigration enforcement action occurred Tuesday in her hometown, the Town of Herndon.
The town saw an "enormous influx of foreign-born residents, especially from Central and South America, since the 1990s," a fact first published by the Town of Herndon Police Department on June 19, 2006, describing the impact of the short-lived Herndon Official Workers Center. It opened in Dec. 2005 and closed less than two years later. Day laborers eventually returned to the 7-Eleven site.
On Tuesday, March 4, an immigration raid swept the town's 7-Eleven and gas station at 1121 Elden Street. Since the 1990s, immigrants and others have gathered at the unofficial day labor site, seeking work and waiting for local contractors to pick them up.
Herndon Town Councilmember Cesar del Aguila provided eyewitness video and narrative.
Translating the comments from Spanish to English, del Aguila told The Connection that immigration officials raided the local 7-Eleven and gas station on Elden Street. According to de Aguila, a large unmarked yellow box truck pulled up, as seen in the video. Eyewitnesses watched individuals getting out dressed in what looked like military garb, "not police." Many day laborers when they saw the van and the military-like forces scattered. Agents led people away in handcuffs.
"A lot of people want to know where they were taken. It's not clear where. There's a lot of buzz in the community. 'What do we do now? Who do you talk to? Who do we go to?’ I'm trying to put together a Q and A session this week," del Aguila said.
There are limited options for legal and practical actions the town council can take to protect the community from the impact of ICE raids, del Aguila. He suggested a public statement condemning it. "I probably will at the work session tonight, but there's not much we can do. I don't know to what extent legally we can push back on this."
Videos, seen on Tuesday evening's news, captured the ICE raid in Arlington County that same day.
Tuesday evening, Boysko focused on the rights of immigrants in the United States and the need for them to prepare for potential immigration enforcement actions. Boysko said it is important that families make plans with loved ones now.
"We should make certain that everyone understands what their rights are as people who live in the United States and some of the resources from the Legal Aid Justice Center. There is the ‘Know Your Rights’ document in Spanish and other languages because immigrants come from all over the world."
Boysko provided key advice: Do not open doors without seeing a warrant; have documentation ready and in a safe place; know that schools and churches will not allow entry without a warrant; and have a family plan prepared in advance. The Legal Justice Center adds that a Power of Attorney (POA) document for immigration purposes "can be used to grant a trusted family member or friend the authority to act on your behalf in case of deportation or detention."
Boysko's key message for children is one of protection and solidarity. She said children should know that multiple community institutions and individuals are committed to their safety and well-being during these uncertain times. "There are many adults who are watching out for the children. Your teachers care about you, your pastors at your church, your elected officials here in the community care deeply," Boysko said.
Addressing practical concerns and emotional support for children, Boysko reiterated that schools will not allow ICE entry without a specific arrest warrant and are committed to protecting their students. She emphasized that children should not feel alone or afraid.
Boysk acknowledged her concern, though. "I am very disturbed with folks sweeping in and potentially splitting up families who are living peacefully in our communities. I'm concerned about people being harmed through this."
Boysko recommended that community members contact the Legal Aid Justice Center for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. She added, "There are the Red Cards, but they're basically to Know Your Rights.
Know your constitutional rights.
• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. No one can enter your home without your consent: "I will not open the door if I do not see a court order signed by a judge or magistrate."
• If ICE enters your home, say: "I DO NOT consent to the search."
• Exercise your right to remain silent. "I will not answer any questions and I exercise my right to remain silent."
• DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENTS: "I will not sign any documents without first speaking to my lawyer."
• Keep calm, and it is better to remain silent. Any incorrect information can harm you.