According to a recent government report, in northern Virginia alone, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and other law enforcement partners have apprehended 214 illegal aliens, as of March 14. Of course, that number is likely greater now considering that last statistic was recorded around three weeks ago. With that in mind, footage captured by a Virginia attorney protecting a young client from being detained by ICE during a “welfare check” is sparking discussion, and in some cases, anger.
The two-minute clip is recorded from the perspective of the attorney in question — James Rivera — who is sat in his vehicle, in the driveway of his client. Just outside, you can see five individuals dressed in plain clothes stood around waiting on the client’s property. Rivera explains to the viewer as he exits his car, “ICE hanging out in front of my client’s house, so we’re gonna see what’s up.”
What follows is a tense exchange between ICE officials and Rivera, who is accompanied by his assistant. “It’s too early for this y’all. What’s going on? Who do y’all represent? Who do y’all represent?” the Virginia attorney politely asks. “Who are you?” one of the agents holding a clipboard responds. “I’m the family lawyer here.” Rivera replies.
“Okay, who do you represent?” the lawyer inquires after a brief greeting. “HSI. Homeland Security Investigations.” the ICE agent says holding up an ID badge. “What’s going on?” asks Rivera. Peculiarly, the ICE agent then presumes that Rivera’s assistant is possibly the target that they’re looking for. “We need to talk to her, make sure she’s doing okay.” the HSI official says, pointing at the attorney’s assistant.
“That’s not her.” Rivera quickly chips in. “I work for him.” explains his assistant. “We’re looking for Amy. We’re doing a welfare check on her. Make sure she’s doing okay.” replies the agent. “What’s the basis?” inquires the attorney. “Listen. Let me tell you.” clarifies the HSI official, though what he says is difficult to discern. Presumably, it sounds like something court-related.
The attorney then explains things a little clearer. “Racial court case has been closed by the judge. We’re just waiting on — what are we waiting on?” Rivera turns to his assistant. “Just for the priority date.” chimes in the assistant. “Priority date for her green card.”
“Perfect. We still need to talk to her.” the HSI official declares. “I can set up an appointment at my office. We can do that.” offers the lawyer. “Perfectly fine. You got a card?” the agent calmly responds. After further back and forth, however, the HSI official asks that he needs to talk to the woman’s sponsor as well.
“Okay, so now you need to talk to the sponsor too.” exclaims Rivera near the end of the clip. “You say you need to talk to her. Who you need to talk to? So I can set you up. Because I’m trying to prevent you all from coming back into this neighbourhood. You understand? And she’s doing fine. I know what you’re here for. I don’t know. This is the first time this has ever happened, so this must be a new policy.” Finally, following a brief farewell, the agents depart and leave the premises.
With the video making the rounds online, viewers were quick to jump into the comments to let their reactions be heard. Over on TikTok, one netizen took umbrage with the way the ICE agent attempted to racially profile the attorney’s assistant, writing, “Did he just profile your partner?” A second commenter, meanwhile, weighed in with, “Why do they need five people to check in on her?” Elsewhere, on Reddit, one user penned, “Only one had any sort of badge visible on their body, and only one other showed ID after being requested. That is terrifying to have these plain clothes officers doing this. Anyone who didnโt have a lawyer on standby wouldโve had their life ruined by this even if they were completely legal.”
