Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy)
The Board of Supervisors passed the Trust Policy in 2021 to codify Fairfax County’s commitment to the safety and security of all immigrant residents. The Trust Policy contains specific standards to ensure that employees do not voluntarily cooperate with enforcement of federal civil immigration laws.
More County Policy Statements
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the following resolution on April 4, 2017:
- Whereas, Fairfax County is and will continue to be a County that exemplifies values of respect and acceptance;
- Whereas, we welcome and celebrate one another’s differences and cultural backgrounds; Whereas, while immigration is a federal matter, Fairfax County does partner with federal authorities on serious criminal matters when required;
- Whereas, we do not ask, nor do we have the resources for, our police officers to become immigration officials, nor for Fairfax County to assume the responsibilities of federal immigration officials;
- Whereas, Fairfax County Police successfully engage in community policing, which requires the trust of residents who are not afraid to call law enforcement if their safety is at risk, or to report information that may help to solve a crime;
- Whereas, it is the responsibility of our police officers to ensure the safety of Fairfax County residents through community policing rather than through immigration enforcement;
- Whereas, Fairfax County Public Schools complies with the federally mandated requirements that we educate all children, regardless of immigration status;
- Whereas, the School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all children in our public school system and Fairfax County Public Schools values the richly diverse backgrounds of our students and families;
- Whereas, Fairfax County’s diversity makes our community strong and vibrant, and we are proud of what every resident has to offer;
- Therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors does hereby affirm our strong commitment to maintaining a community culture that values and celebrates the similarities as well as the differences among our neighbors.
Former Chairman Sharon Bulova stated, “Fairfax County is a welcoming and accepting community where residents of all backgrounds deserve to feel respected and safe. It is important that we, as local leaders, speak out when our constituents are concerned regarding policies or practices that may affect them. We are a safe, diverse and caring community, and if that harmony is threatened, I believe we have a duty to speak out and clearly articulate our values.”
The county has received several inquiries about federal changes in policies or procedures regarding immigrants. We’ve heard the concerns about the federal government and planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in our area.
Fairfax County does not and will not enforce civil federal immigration laws. The federal courts have determined that the enforcement of civil immigration laws is solely a federal responsibility under the exclusive authority of ICE.
The Board of Supervisors has not designated Fairfax County as a sanctuary county; it complies to the fullest extent required by federal, state or local law with any law enforcement agency requesting criminal law enforcement assistance. The Board of Supervisors' Trust Policy and Police General Orders found above establish the county’s practice for civil matters.
Fairfax County seeks to protect the federal and state constitutional rights of all persons, including immigrants.
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (JDRDC) hears cases involving juveniles, crimes against juveniles, and family matters (except divorce) in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the towns of Herndon, Vienna, and Clifton. Juvenile Courtrooms are located on the 3rd floor of the Fairfax Courthouse.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s vision is to provide ethical leadership through engagement with the community to prevent and fight crime, improve the culture of safety at work and within the community to preserve the sanctity of all human life, and to keep pace with urbanization.
Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid and her deputies ensure the safety of, and provide the highest quality of service to, the residents of Fairfax County, Fairfax City and towns of Herndon and Vienna by operating a secure and humane Adult Detention Center; providing security for the Courthouse, courtrooms and surrounding complex; and serving/executing civil law process on behalf of the courts. In addition to these core functions, the Sheriff’s Office is actively engaged with the diverse communities it serves. The Sheriff's vision is to be known as the most professionally run, economically efficient, innovative organization among its peers.
Resources for Immigrants
We can provide you and your family access to available supports and resources including food, rental assistance, utility assistance and other help. The starting point is to call 703-222-0880, TTY 711, our Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) social work call center. CSP will make all the arrangements to get you the help you need through our network of community and county service providers. The call center has dedicated English and Spanish lines and specialists who have the ability to provide services in 17 languages and accessibility to translation services for others.
Podemos proporcionarle a usted y a su familia acceso a recursos y apoyos disponibles, incluidos alimentos, asistencia para el alquiler, asistencia de servicios públicos y otra ayuda. El punto de partida es llamar al 703-222-0880, nuestro centro de llamadas de trabajo social de Planificación de Servicios Coordinados (CSP). CSP hará todos los arreglos para obtener la ayuda que necesita a través de nuestra red de proveedores de servicios comunitarios y del condado. CSP tiene líneas dedicadas en inglés y español. Los especialistas en CSP tienen la capacidad de proporcionar servicios en 17 idiomas y acceso a servicios de traducción para otros.
Servicios del red de seguridad del Condado Fairfax para inmigrantes
Legal Aid Justice Center provides legal advice and representation to immigrant tenants facing landlord-tenant problems such as unpaid rent, eviction, unlivable housing conditions, landlord harassment, lockouts or utility shutoffs, and debt collection by current or former landlords. Attorneys speak English and Spanish, and all other languages are available through Language Line. Please call 703-778-3450 and leave a message, which will be returned within one business day.
Legal Aid Justice Center brinda asesoramiento y representación legal a inquilinos inmigrantes que tienen problemas con su arrendador, como alquiler no pagado, desalojo, condiciones inhabitables de la vivienda, hostigamiento por parte del arrendador, bloqueo del acceso a la vivienda o desconexión de servicios públicos, y el cobro de deudas por arrendadores actuales o anteriores. Nuestros abogados hablan inglés y español, y hay otros idiomas disponibles a través de Language Line. Por favor llame al 703-778-3450 y deje un mensaje. Le devolveremos la llamada dentro de un día laborable.
Welcome to our English Language Learning guide. In this guide, you will find library materials and other online websites that can help you:
- to improve your English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills,
- to teach English language learners,
- to prepare for English knowledge tests,
- to find library programs and local English classes for further practice and study,
- as well as recommended reading.
Many library staff speak languages other than English as well, and can act as translators. To see which languages are spoken at your branch, view their branch webpage or call their Information Desk.
Non-Profit Community IDs
Fairfax County established a procedure for approval of non-profit groups whose IDs may be used by individuals as a valid form of identification and proof of residency, following the guidelines of the Trust and Confidentiality Policy.
If the non-profit organization you represent is interested in obtaining this approval, please send us a message to immigrants@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Demographics / Data
- Our Immigrant Neighbors
- American Community Survey Profiles
- Report-Anticipating the Future: A Discussion of Trends in Fairfax County (2006)
- Report-Community Sampler: Eight Immigrant and Refugee Communities with Public School Children (2000)
Links below will take you to websites outside of the Fairfax County website