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Federal immigration enforcement actions in Reston, Herndon and Arlington County sparked alarm across Northern Virginia in early March 2025, with people taken into custody in Herndon and Arlington and families urged to prepare for possible detention or deportation.

Department of Homeland Security officers went to Cornerstones’ Embry Rucker Community Shelter in Reston on Monday, March 3, with an arrest warrant. Cornerstones said the person named in the warrant was not there, so the officers left without taking anyone into custody. The organization said it does not answer questions or disclose details about shelter guests.

The following day, immigration agents descended on the 7-Eleven and gas station at 1121 Elden Street in the Town of Herndon. Immigrants and other workers have gathered at the location since the 1990s, hoping to be hired by local contractors.

Town Councilmember Cesar del Aguila provided eyewitness video of the operation. He said a large, unmarked yellow box truck arrived before people wearing military-style clothing got out. Many day laborers scattered when they saw the agents, while others were led away in handcuffs.

Community members were left trying to determine where those detained had been taken.

“A lot of people want to know where they were taken. It’s not clear where,” del Aguila said. “There’s a lot of buzz in the community. ‘What do we do now? Who do you talk to? Who do we go to?’”

Del Aguila said he was working to organize a question-and-answer session. He also considered making a public statement condemning the operation but acknowledged that the Town Council had few legal or practical options for resisting federal enforcement.

Herndon has experienced substantial growth in its foreign-born population, particularly among people from Central and South America, since the 1990s. The town briefly operated the Herndon Official Workers Center beginning in December 2005, but it closed less than two years later. Day laborers eventually returned to the 7-Eleven property.

Video broadcast on the evening of March 4 also showed an ICE operation in Arlington County that day.

The enforcement activity followed Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s signing of Executive Order 47 on Feb. 27. The order authorized local law enforcement agencies to assist ICE.

The Department of Homeland Security had said in a Feb. 14 statement that the administration was initially targeting dangerous criminals, describing them as “the worst of the worst” and saying they did not belong in American communities.

Virginia Sen. Jennifer Boysko, a Democrat representing the 38th District, said the operations raised concerns about peaceful families being divided.

“I am very disturbed with folks sweeping in and potentially splitting up families who are living peacefully in our communities,” Boysko said. “I’m concerned about people being harmed through this.”

Boysko encouraged immigrant families to make plans with loved ones before any potential enforcement encounter. She directed residents to multilingual “Know Your Rights” materials from the Legal Aid Justice Center.

Her recommendations included asking to see a warrant before opening a door, storing important documents in a secure place and preparing a family plan. She also noted that a power of attorney can authorize a trusted friend or relative to act for someone who is detained or deported.

Boysko said schools and churches would not admit immigration agents without a warrant. She urged children not to feel isolated, pointing to teachers, religious leaders, elected officials and other adults committed to their welfare.

“There are many adults who are watching out for the children,” she said. “Your teachers care about you, your pastors at your church, your elected officials here in the community care deeply.”

The rights guidance shared with residents advises people not to open their doors unless agents present a court order signed by a judge or magistrate. If agents enter a home, residents can state that they do not consent to a search.

It also advises people to exercise their right to remain silent, avoid signing documents before consulting a lawyer and remain calm. Residents were encouraged to contact the Legal Aid Justice Center for current information and additional resources.