Avula explains Richmond’s relationship with ICE at State of the City

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For a short period in his first State of the City address on Wednesday, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula detailed the city's decision not to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when it comes to public safety.

During the 90-minute remarks at Southside Community Center on Wednesday, March 25, Avula said his public safety priorities are about building transparency with the Richmond Police Department (RPD). He believes this should include growing the trust between Black and immigrant communities as "federal authorities are acting in incredibly harmful ways in Richmond," according to the mayor.

Avula highlighted the decision not to sign a federal 287(g) agreement, which would allow local law enforcement to aid immigration agents in carrying out their responsibilities under federal oversight.

WATCH: Richmond Mayor Avula hosts his first-ever State of the City

Avula added that Richmond officers have begun to differentiate themselves from immigration agents.

"Our RPD folks have started to embroider 'Richmond' on top of their police gear, so that our residents can know that Richmond Police sets us apart as local law enforcement as opposed to confusion between whether this is ICE or the FBI or local law enforcement," Avula explained.

According to TRAC Immigration, at least hundreds of people are in ICE custody at detention facilities between Farmville and Caroline County.

Avula also spoke about the city making affordable housing investments and the opening of Carmax Park next month, among other topics.

Learn about the highlights from the State of the City here. Watch and listen to the entire remarks and panel discussions from the evening here.