Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, other city officials speak after man taken into ICE custody in Southwood neighborhood

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and other city officials are speaking out after a man who was reported missing to police Wednesday was actually taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In response to the man being detained by ICE from Richmond's Southwood neighborhood on Wednesday, July 30, Avula said he will continue to protect and support residents, and police will not enforce federal immigration.

"Richmond is a city that stands for inclusion, compassion, and care for each of our residents and, as Mayor, I will do everything within my power to protect and support Richmonders," Avula said. "Our local police officers will continue to focus on keeping our neighborhoods safe through community policing, not on enforcing this federal policy. We are committed to prioritizing the safety and dignity of all Richmonders as we navigate this moment."

Nicole Jones, 9th District councilmember, provided a statement on Wednesday in a social media post by the city, sharing that she was saddened by the detainment, and that all residents deserve to feel safe and without fear regardless of immigration status.

Jones' full statement is below:

My heart is heavy today. I am saddened by the reports of an ICE raid that took place in our 9th District. The 9th District is a place of rich and cultural diversity, where everyone regardless of immigration status deserves to feel safe, living without dignity and without fear.

I stand with out immigrant neighbors. You are not alone. I see you! We are actively working to ensure that resources and support are available immediately and ongoing. Let's respond with solidarity -- showing up for one another with reassurance and care. 9th District councilmember Nicole Jones

Delegate Michael Jones (D-Chesterfield) announced that he will host a community press conference alongside Southside faith leaders at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, near the Southwood Apartments, the same area where the man was detained by ICE on Wednesday.

In a press release, Jones noted the significant Latino population at the Southwood Apartments, adding that Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards recently reported a 34% drop in 911 calls from the neighborhood.

Jones called the decrease in calls a "stark indicator of a community retreating into shadows out of fear rather than seeking protection when needed."

This comes after the Richmond Police Department was dispatched to the 1500 block of Clarkson Road for reports of a missing man.

Police arrived at the neighborhood at 7:03 a.m. and found ICE agents operating in the area of the Southwood neighborhood, just off of Hull Street Road.

According to RPD, officers spoke with ICE agents and confirmed that the missing man was the same person taken into ICE custody.

Police contacted the person who initially reported the missing man to “advise that the male was in federal custody.”

Richmond Police said none of its officers assisted in the detainment, and none of its technology was involved.

8News will attend Jones' press conference. This story will be updated with new information.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.