Tighter restrictions on when Arlington police can contact federal authorities about undocumented immigrants go into effect.

Following a 4-1 vote by the Arlington County Board, local police can initiate contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) only in contexts involving identified gang members and certain serious crimes.

The change also clarifies that the Arlington County Police Department can accept identification documents such as school IDs and foreign government IDs.

Several Council members argued that the change strengthens protections for undocumented residents while remaining in compliance with federal and state law.

“We are facing … very, very difficult times and we have to be very careful and very strategic in how we (manage) them,” Vice President Takis Karantonis said. “We certainly don’t want to cause further harm, which is entirely possible.”

The vote, which received the support of all Council members except Maureen Coffey, followed strong public comments from activist organizations and several community members who argued the changes did not go far enough.

Critics erupted in chants and shouts of protest as Speaker Libby Garvey called for a vote on Saturday, causing the meeting to go into recess for about 15 minutes.

“Right now, by voting for these changes, you’re clearly saying that you agree with Arlington County working with the incoming Trump administration to separate families,” said Amber Qureshi, an immigration attorney and member of the social justice organization. At the Collective.

She asked the Council to remove the entire county section POLICY — titled “Arlington’s Commitment to Building Trust in Our Immigrant Communities” — which addresses when ACPD can initiate contact with federal immigration authorities.

Qureshi and other speakers also called for the county to allow all departments to accept a range of IDs.

President Allison Beltran also argued that the changes “keep loopholes open that the next presidential administration will undoubtedly exploit to deport our neighbors en masse.”

“I ask you, how can you knowingly let your neighbors down when you have the power to create these powerful protections as policy?” she said.

Under the new policy, ACPD may contact federal immigration authorities only under the following circumstances.

• An undocumented immigrant has been identified as a gang member and is wanted or arrested for a violent crime or a street gang crime.
• An undocumented immigrant “is arrested for a crime or is a confirmed gang member, where the circumstances indicate that notification to federal immigration authorities is prudent to maintain community safety.”
• An undocumented immigrant is arrested on suspicion of terrorism or human trafficking.

A duty guard commander or supervisor with the rank of lieutenant or higher must also approve contact with federal authorities.

Several Council members noted limits to the extent of these extended protections.

“The county must follow federal and state laws and regulations, regardless of what we personally think about them,” said President Libby Garvey. “The trust policy makes it clear that we will do everything we can under the law to make sure Arlington remains a safe and welcoming home for all — but it’s very important that everyone understands what we can and can’t do.”

Although speakers asked the Council to delay a vote and reexamine what federal and state laws actually require, Garvey argued that could backfire on him.

“Think about it right now,” she said. “Is this a time where we want to draw attention and push this issue here? … I don’t think so. I think it’s dangerous — and I’m going to say that right now.”

Garvey did not explain what dangers he foresees.

Coffey, before casting his dissenting vote, noted the difference between being arrested for terrorism or street gang offenses and being convicted. She argued that the change does not provide “due process.”

“I think this policy as revised is an improvement, but I’m not convinced it’s the right end point,” she said.

Karantonis said the county is currently reconsidering other policies and encouraged residents to contact the county “any time you find a problem with documentation.”