Attorney warns of ‘high probability’ of ICE coming to Richmond as local artists rally

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As Central Virginia artists join forces to push back against recent immigration enforcement efforts, a local immigration attorney warns that there is a "high probability" that Richmond could soon be targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A coalition of more than 200 Central Virginia artists has launched a new volunteer initiative called “Richmond Artists Against Deportations.” The group is preparing an art gallery event that will help raise money for the Sacred Heart Center, a Latino community hub in Richmond.

"As artists, we have a huge integral role to play in culture, in public opinion, in telling the truth of what’s actually happening," said co-leader Neve Coppersmith.

Coppersmith said the group has also begun offering community trainings on what to do if immigration enforcement intensifies locally.

Richmond Artists Against Deportations, a group of local artists pushing back against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Photos: Violeta Vega)

Richmond Artists Against Deportations, a group of local artists pushing back against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Photos: Violeta Vega)

Richmond Artists Against Deportations, a group of local artists pushing back against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Photos: Violeta Vega)

"One of the most effective ways to get ICE out of our community is to tell them that they're not welcome here," a representative said, adding, "They're trying to terrorize our communities. Currently, we’re seeing it in North Carolina with the deployment of border control."

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According to the Data Deportation Project, ICE arrested more than 4,200 people in Virginia between President Donald Trump's inauguration in late January and late August.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, North Carolina has seen a spike in enforcement since the weekend of Nov. 15, when Border Patrol agents increased activity there -- something immigration attorneys say could possibly extend to Virginia.

"It’s a high probability that, if the federal government continues to prioritize that sort of heightened, aggressive and -- quite frankly, unreasonable and unconstitutional -- immigration enforcement … that Richmond could be on that target list," said immigration attorney Charlie Schmidt, president of the Richmond Community Legal Fund.

Schmidt noted that many of his clients have recently self-deported and that the organization has seen a significant drop in requests for assistance.

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"We think it's because people are scared and are either voluntarily leaving or just not willing to go out into public," he said.

He encouraged community members to document what they see on social media and to make their voices heard -- something the artist group said it aims to accomplish.

"We are committed to using our artistic, cultural practices as tools in the fight for full legal rights for immigrants," Coppersmith said.

To learn more about immigration enforcement in Central Virginia, click here.