Over the past few weeks Prince William County has seen a shift, first by promoting new members to the Jail Board Committee, leading to the potential overturn of the controversial 287(g) policy, which has led to unjust deportations of immigrants within the county. On Friday the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy met on a virtual platform to discuss plans to begin the process of its removal.

Luis Oyola, who is a Community Organizer for Virginia Interfaith Center in Richmond stated, “We are at the point where we have to push harder and we have to hold our representatives accountable and we have to ensure that what they do is right.” Oyola has headed up the DE-ICE VA Campaign, which is purposed to stop the incarceration to deportation pipeline.

Yanet Limon-Amado of Organizadora de Justicia Para Immigrantes discussed the connection between the immigration issue and the need for criminal justice. “Immigration is a criminal justice issue because of the disproportionate jailing and imprisonment of people of color,” said Limon-Amado. “It can lead to a higher rate of deportation.”

Evelin Urrutia who formed the Tenants and Workers United : “I moved to PW in 2001. 2007 it was a shock for everyone. It was devastating what happened to the community. A lot of people left and have not been able to return. We fear that there is a lot of damage. A lack of trust within the police department. We know that there is still some policy (such as 287g) in Prince William that is still racist.”

“Our community wants to see a change in Prince William, and this is the opportunity to do it.”

The PW Perspective spoke with Brenda Medrano-Frias, Senior Advisor for Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin after the forum. “PWC was the catalyst for ‘show me your papers’ movement across the nation. It allowed people to come out against the undocumented immigrant community. We’ve had enough and it’s time to stop programs such as 287(g).”

Medrano-Frias provided the vision of Virginia Interfaith’s efforts to curb unjust deportation. “Injustice has been ingrained in the way this county operates and we are going to stop it in regards to COVID-19 funding, getting them resources and provide care to black and brown families.”

“Prince William County is fed up!”

Urrutia offered a synopsis that in spite of the current situation, there is reason for immigrant families to be optimistic.

“For the first time in a long time, we see hope.”

For more details on Virginia Interfaith Center’s efforts to change 287(g) and how you can participate, please visit their site.