Alexandria police investigating ICE deportation graffiti as bias incident
Alexandria police said it’s seeking the public’s help in what they’re calling an “incident of bias.”
Police said they found several instances of graffiti spray painted that included words like “ICE”, “Report to deport,” and a phone number for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement tip line in different locations in Mount Jefferson Park.
Police said they found the graffiti in multiple locations throughout the park’s pathway and believe the crime could have happened between late Friday night and Saturday morning.
News4’s heard from some residents, who said they were surprised to see the graffiti. They said this is usually a very safe neighborhood, and News4 saw many people enjoying the path throughout the afternoon.
Images of the graffiti were shared by a News4 viewer who said she found the graffiti at Hume Avenue very close to the pathway Saturday morning. They show those same words: “Deport,” “Report to deport” and a phone number for the ICE National Tip Line.
News4 spoke to a few people who were walking through the area Sunday.
“It’s just kind of befouling the whole place,” said Jim Howard, whose son lives in the area. “This is a nice neighborhood. This bike path is special, very special, so it’s nice to keep it prim and proper as it is.”
“This is a community,” said another person, who lives in the area. “This is a neighborhood, and it’s really important that everyone feels included and a part of something here, and bringing that sort of message in the neighborhood is not really welcoming I don’t think.”
Police released a photo of a man, calling him a person of interest.
In a statement shared Saturday, the Alexandria chief of police said, “Incidents that incite fear or make members of the community feel targeted have no place in Alexandria.”
He added that every member of the Alexandria community deserves to feel safe and respected.
Police are asking that anyone with any information, including photos or videos, contact the police department. People can remain anonymous.
News4 reached out to ICE for comment on this investigation. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said, in part, “Vandalism is a crime, so is being in our country illegally. We encourage all patriotic Americans to help DHS law enforcement uphold the nation’s immigration laws.”
