As I've shared in the past, RPD Chief Rick Edwards, Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille, and I stand united in supporting our city’s residents, including our immigrant neighbors, and protecting the trust between our communities and local law enforcement. I believe strongly that Richmond must remain a city where every resident feels safe accessing services, reporting crimes, and engaging with local government—regardless of immigration status.”
— Mayor Danny Avula
Mayor's Office
900 E. Broad St., Suite 201
Richmond, VA
23219 USA
Phone: 804-646-7970
Fax: 804-646-7987
Email: [email protected]
Richmond’s response to federal immigration action
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Last updated on 1/28/26 at 7:23 p.m. This page will continue to be updated with resources and information as they become available.
Latest Updates
- Jan. 28, 2026: Mayor Danny Avula's letter to Richmonders sharing the creation of an Inclusive Communities Preparedness Work Group.
- Jan. 23, 2026: Mayor Danny Avula directed the creation of a City of Richmond Inclusive Communities Preparedness Work Group to identify recommendations that the City can take to respond to emergent threats and challenges, in alignment with pillar five of the Mayoral Action Plan.
- Jan. 22, 2026: On Thursday morning, Chesterfield Police staged at Fire Station #17 (221 Semmes Ave.) in Richmond to conduct a police operation unrelated to immigration. This operation was supported by the Richmond Police Department.
- Jan. 22, 2026: Mayor Danny Avula on federal immigration activities
- Aug. 12, 2025: Statement from Mayor Danny Avula on recent ICE activity in Richmond
- Jul. 30, 2025: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Activity in Richmond Neighborhood (Instagram)
Know your rights
Every person living and working in Richmond has rights. Get familiar with some of those rights below.
Note: The materials below are intended for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Please explore the “Additional Resources” section of this page to locate legal representation and/or guidance.
If you participate in protests:
- You have the right to protest in the streets or along sidewalks as long as you’re not obstructing traffic or access to buildings.
- You have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including law enforcement, when you are lawfully present in a public place.
- If you are stopped by any officer, you can ask if you’re free to go. If the answer is yes, try to walk away calmly.
- If you are arrested, you have the right to ask for a lawyer immediately. You do not have to sign, say, or agree to anything without a lawyer present, no matter your citizenship or immigration status.
- You have the right to tell other protestors about their legal rights.
Explore further resources on protestors’ rights, courtesy of the American Civil Liberties Union, in both English and Spanish, or view the American Bar Association’s “Know Your Rights” videos in English and Spanish.
Richmond Police Department’s role
The Richmond Police Department is committed, first and foremost, to keeping our communities safe, quickly responding to incidents that threaten public safety, and restoring order when the peace has been disrupted. RPD officers are here to protect our neighborhoods, not to enforce federal immigration policies.
- The Richmond Police Department has not signed and will not sign a 287(g) agreement with ICE.
- The Richmond Police Department will always identify themselves clearly and have the City’s police badge on their sleeve. Learn how to identify RPD officers (Instagram).
Additional resources
- The Richmond Community Legal Fund provides referrals and financial support for legal representation (available in English and Spanish ).
- Help1RVA is an online navigation platform that connects people with short-term assistance related to housing, childcare, transportation, and food access.
- The Legal Aid Justice Center offers legal representation to low-income clients of all immigration statuses.
- The Central Virginia Legal Aid Society provides free legal services for citizens and documented residents of the U.S.
- The City of Richmond’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement connects City residents with needed services. Call 804-646-0145 during business hours or email [email protected].
- Virginia 2-1-1 collects resources for legal representation, housing, healthcare, and family support. You can also call 211 for information about these resources.
