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Commission debriefs National Night Out; members report drop in Spanish-speaking attendance and raise ICE/sheriff concerns
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Summary
Commission members said participation by Spanish-speaking families appeared lower than last year at National Night Out. They discussed community trust in law enforcement, the difference between town police and the county sheriff’s handling of detention and ICE interactions, and asked the police chief to address these concerns at the next meeting.
Commission members who staffed a booth at National Night Out reported noticeably fewer Spanish-speaking attendees compared with the prior year and urged follow-up outreach to bilingual residents.
Several commissioners described interacting less frequently with Latino families at the event than in past years. One commissioner said that, anecdotally, they had few Spanish-speaking visitors at their table, and that absence raised concerns that fear of immigration enforcement could be reducing participation in community policing events.
Commission members asked for clarification about the local police department’s role in immigration enforcement. Kara and other staff explained that the Town of Leesburg Police Department does not control the county jail and has no role in decisions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office operates the detention center where ICE interactions may occur. Commissioners asked staff to invite Chief Thea Purnat to the September meeting to discuss community policing, traffic enforcement at problematic crosswalks and public outreach, and to provide clarity about how the department responds to public concerns about immigration enforcement.
Members discussed distributing bilingual “know your rights” materials at future events and creating a short feedback postcard or QR-linked form to gather concerns from residents who may be reluctant to speak publicly. Staff said a new resident guide in English and Spanish is being prepared and that town events staff can help distribute printed materials. Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether the commission can distribute bilingual handouts and “know your rights” resources without legal risk; staff agreed to take that question to the town manager and to the police chief for guidance.
The debrief also covered logistics and supplies. Commissioners recommended that future booths include a clear sign with a QR code to the community resource guide, printed bilingual materials, and a short feedback sheet for residents to register concerns anonymously.
No formal motion or budget decision resulted from the debrief; commissioners requested the police chief attend the next meeting to answer questions about enforcement policy and outreach.
