Alexandria police have opened a bias‑incident investigation after anti‑immigrant graffiti was discovered on multiple sections of the Mount Jefferson Park pathway on Clifford Avenue. The spray‑painted messages read “ICE” and “REPORT TO DEPORT,” with the ICE hotline number displayed beneath the text.
Timing raises community concern
The vandalism is believed to have occurred between 11 p.m. Friday and just before 7 a.m. Saturday, a window that coincides with the final days before the upcoming Election Day. Residents walking the trail reported the offensive markings early Sunday, prompting a swift response from law‑enforcement.
Police response and suspect search
Alexandria Police Chief John Miller condemned the act, stating that intimidation tactics have no place in the city. Officers obtained a search warrant, released an image of a possible suspect, and are reviewing eyewitness photos that may show the same individual.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Alexandria Police Department, emphasizing that the investigation remains active.
Neighbors react with fear and anger
Local residents expressed both fear and anger over the timing and nature of the graffiti. “It’s very hateful,” said neighborhood resident Jenn Walker. “If that person wanted to put that message there… I would go say it directly. They know it’s wrong and are trying to scare people.”
Another neighbor, Kristine Styry, noted the area’s traditionally liberal reputation, adding, “It’s surprising that it was in this neighborhood… some kind of scare tactic to make people vote a certain way.”
Previous anti‑immigration display
This incident follows a similar anti‑immigration display two weeks earlier, when flyers bearing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal were placed on residents’ vehicles. The flyers urged people to report potential immigration and voting‑law violations.
In a written statement, DHS said, “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.”
Election context and constitutional commitment
The investigation comes as Alexandria police prepare for the upcoming election. While the department clarified that policing polling locations is not its role, officials affirmed that officers will continue to uphold the Constitution throughout the election period.
City leaders have reiterated their commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status, and to ensuring that intimidation tactics do not influence the democratic process.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
