Richmond City Council is facing mounting pressure to adopt a comprehensive trust policy aimed at protecting immigrant communities and curbing mass surveillance practices. During the formal meeting on September 8, 2025, residents voiced strong concerns regarding the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Community members urged the council to implement a legally enforceable trust policy similar to that of Arlington County, which prohibits any collaboration with ICE. This includes banning the honoring of detainers without a judicial warrant and restricting access to personal data and jail information. Advocates argue that such measures are essential to ensure the safety and dignity of Richmond's immigrant residents.

Additionally, speakers called for the termination of the city’s contract with Flock Safety, a company providing license plate readers that track vehicle movements. Residents highlighted that these cameras create a mass database that could be shared with ICE, raising concerns about racial profiling and the misuse of data. The Richmond Police Department has previously admitted to using this technology for immigration-related investigations, further fueling fears among community members.

Housing justice was another critical topic, with multiple speakers advocating for anti-rent gouging protections to be prioritized in the city’s legislative agenda. They emphasized that rising rents are displacing families and eroding community stability. One resident shared her personal experience of being forced to move due to unjust rent increases, illustrating the urgent need for legislative action to protect renters.

The council also heard from residents expressing frustration over the allocation of public funds, particularly regarding affordable housing initiatives. Concerns were raised about the diversion of $9 million originally set aside for housing, which some residents believe undermines efforts to address the housing crisis.

As the meeting concluded, the call for action was clear: Richmond has the opportunity to follow Arlington's lead in protecting its most vulnerable communities. The decisions made by the city council in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of public safety, housing stability, and community trust in Richmond.