Community leaders condemn ICE arrests of construction workers in Alexandria’s Chirilagua neighborhood

By Ryan Belmore
Published August 18, 2025 at 6:35PM
Updated August 18, 2025 at 8:03PM


Federal immigration agents arrested 15 construction workers at an Alexandria apartment complex Monday afternoon, sparking an evening community rally where city officials and residents denounced the enforcement action.

The arrests occurred at Eaton Square Apartments on Florence Drive in the Chirilagua neighborhood while the men were working on a roofing project, according to Evelin Urrutia, executive director of Tenants and Workers United. The timing coincided with the first day of school in Alexandria, heightening community concerns about children’s safety.

“The people arrested were working on the roof of an apartment building when they were targeted and abducted by masked federal agents,” Urrutia said during the community gathering at 3801 Florence Drive. “This comes as families were ready to pick up their children on the first day of classes.”

Community members filmed the arrests and confirmed that seven to eight ICE agents were present during the operation. Witnesses said the agents provided no information about the reason for the arrests or where they were taking the workers.

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This story is developing.

Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the Publisher of ALXnow.com. An award-winning publisher, editor, and journalist, he has led local independent online newsrooms since 2012. Originally from Rhode Island, he and his wife, Jen, moved to Alexandria in 2021. Since then, he has served on the City of Alexandria's Commission for the Arts and Board of Zoning Appeals. Send news, tips, information, and feedback to news@alxnow.com.