Police agencies assert immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility

WASHINGTON — After his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders on Jan. 20 addressing immigration and border policies.

The “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order emphasizes stricter immigration enforcement, revoking previous policies, expanding detention capabilities and targeting transnational crime. It also directs federal agencies to identify unregistered individuals, penalize immigration violations and crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions and child trafficking.

As federal immigration enforcement ramps up, several police departments have released statements clarifying that immigration enforcement is not within their jurisdiction, emphasizing their focus on community trust and public safety.

Chicago Police Department

The Chicago Police Department announced Monday that it will not assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with upcoming deportation efforts in the city, FOX 32 reports.

The CPD stated it is adhering to the “Welcoming City Ordinance,” which prohibits city agencies and employees from participating in civil immigration enforcement or assisting federal authorities with related actions.

Las Vegas Metro Police Department

In response to inquiries about LVMPD’s immigration enforcement policies, the department put out a statement referring to their Policy 4.166.

In the policy, it states that “although Nevada peace officers have the authority to assist in enforcing federal laws, LVMPD officers will not enforce immigration violations.”

Omaha Police Department, Neb.

While addressing reports of federal immigration sweeps, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmadder joined Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert in a video address assuring citizens, undocumented or not, that they are under the protection of the Omaha Police Department.

Rockford Police Department, Ill.

As questions arise about local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement, Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd issued a statement emphasizing the department’s focus on community trust and public safety.

The statement clarified that civil immigration laws is the primary responsibility of federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, Calif.

In a mid-January video address, Sheriff Patrick Withrow affirmed that the agency would adhere to California law, assisting ICE in raids only when targeting criminal immigrants within their jurisdiction.

Stockton Police Department, Calif.

In a statement directed to the city’s undocumented immigrant community, the Stockton Police Department stated that it’s committed to community trust and inclusivity.

In the statement, the department highlighted its approach to safety and outreach, particularly for undocumented residents.

“We take pride in our approach to not enforcing immigration laws. Consistent with our established policy, we will not assist any federal agency solely in enforcing immigration laws. We believe doing so would undermine the trust and safety we have worked hard to build within our community,” the statement reads in part.

This post was originally published on this site