Richmond’s response to federal immigration action

Last updated on 10/19/26 at 12:00 p.m. This page will continue to be updated with resources and information as they become available. 

  Latest Updates

• Oct. 19, 2026: Mayor Danny Avula launches Trust Policy (watch the full video of the press conference)
• Sep. 28, 2026: City Council passes RES. 2026-R033, request the creation of a Trust Policy
• Jan. 28, 2026: Mayor Danny Avula's letter to Richmonders sharing the creation of an Inclusive Communities Preparedness Work Group (Haga clic aquí para leer la carta del alcade Danny Avula, en español)
• 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)

  Trust Policy: Richmond's Commitment to Immigrant Communities

Richmond is home to people from many different backgrounds, and the City of Richmond’s government believes that diversity makes our community stronger. The City’s Trust Policy explains how the City protects the privacy and rights of immigrant residents — no matter their immigration status — so that everyone feels safe accessing City services. 

• Download and read the full Trust Policy (Arabic, French, Korean, Portuguese, Vietnamese)

What’s most important for all of us to know 

Enforcing federal immigration law is the job of the federal government, not the City of Richmond. City resources and employees will not be used to help carry out immigration enforcement, except where the law requires it. 

This policy applies to City departments that report to the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer. Other independently elected officials and constitutional officers – such as the sheriff and the courts – have their own policies and procedures.  

What this Means for You 

Your information is protected

City employees generally cannot ask about, record, or share your immigration status or other personal information.  

There are a few exceptions to this policy — for example, if a law, court order, or subpoena requires it, or if you choose to share that information yourself.  

The Richmond Police Department (RPD) will not act as immigration enforcement

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.

City resources won't be used against you 

City employees can't use their resources as City employees—things like equipment, data sources, facilities, or even their time--to help immigration enforcement officials. The City won't sign any agreement that turns local employees into immigration agents. 

No one can threaten or pressure you because of your status 

City staff cannot threaten, intimidate, retaliate against you, or deny you services because of your immigration status or the status of someone in your household. 

We welcome you accessing City services

You generally do not need to prove legal immigration status to use services like: 

• Police, fire, and emergency medical response 
• Parks and recreation 
• Libraries 
• Aging and disability services 
• Emergency financial assistance 
• Health, mental health, and substance abuse services 
• Food and shelter assistance 
• Educational services 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some services and programs that are funded by the federal government may still require proof of legal status, if federal rules require it.  

How the City Stays Accountable 

The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for making sure all City departments follow the Trust Policy. If an employee believes the policy has been violated, it should be reported to the relevant department director, and it will be addressed according to City procedures. 

  Know your rights 

Every person living and working in Richmond has rights. Get familiar with some of those rights below. 

If you participate in protests

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.  

• 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. 

  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.