Loudoun County Democratic Committee Condemns Sheriff's Office Agreement with ICE

Loudoun County, VA – The Loudoun County Democratic Committee (LCDC) vehemently condemns the outrageous and deceitful decision by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) and Sheriff Mike Chapman to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). This move represents a blatant betrayal of public trust, undermines community safety, and threatens the constitutional rights of Loudoun County residents.

Sheriff Chapman has previously stated that, “We work very closely with ICE. We make sure that anytime we arrest somebody, we run them through the system.” His stance not only erodes confidence in his leadership but also exposes our immigrant communities to unjust persecution. By aligning with ICE, Sheriff Chapman is turning his back on the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness that he claims to uphold.

Recent reports indicate that ICE has detained and arrested 214 individuals in Northern Virginia over the past month, refusing to disclose the rationale for these detentions. This lack of transparency raises serious concerns that individuals are being wrongly labeled as gang members and deported without due process, tearing families apart and violating fundamental civil liberties. Sheriff Chapman’s decision enables these dangerous and unjust practices, making our community less safe by fostering fear and distrust between law enforcement and the people they are supposed to protect.

The Loudoun County Democratic Committee demands that Sheriff Chapman immediately rescind this agreement with ICE and be held accountable for his betrayal of Loudoun County’s residents. His willingness to collaborate with a federal agency that refuses to provide basic due process protections is an affront to the principles of justice and human rights.

“Loudoun County should be a place where all residents feel safe and protected, regardless of their immigration status,” said David Bauer, Chair of LCDC. “This MOA with ICE is a disgraceful step backward and contradicts the values of fairness and justice that we uphold as a community.”

LCDC urges elected officials, community leaders, and residents to join us in condemning this egregious action and demanding policies that respect the dignity and rights of all individuals in Loudoun County.

MEDIA CONTACT: David Bauer, Acting Chair
chair@loudoundemocrats.org