INDIANAPOLIS – Leaders in law enforcement are raising concerns about the discussion surrounding illegal immigration sweeps.
This comes as President Trump’s administration is pushing for customs enforcement and legislation on immigration is moving through the Indiana General Assembly.
On Thursday, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey released a statement on U.S. immigration and customs enforcement.
“IMPD has not been asked to take part in immigration sweeps, nor do we have any intention of doing so – this is not our role,” said Bailey.
The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police agrees.
“We cannot take enforcement action on federal crimes,” said President of FOP, Rick Snyder. “It’s federal enforcement officers who are authorized by federal law to do that.”
The FOP is calling for federal officers to be responsible for enforcing federal laws.
They said local law enforcement already has more than enough to focus on.
“Our local officers, who are already understaffed, overworked and overburdened with state crimes, and specifically state violent crimes, specifically homicides, non-fatal shootings and stabbings – we need to be focusing on that,” said Snyder.
The FOP is also responding to legislation at the Indiana Statehouse.
House Bill 1393 would require street patrol officers to notify ICE after any arrest is made for unrelated state criminal charges.
“The jail or detention facility has the obligation and lawful responsibility to then initiate the notification process to the federal agencies, to ICE,” said Snyder.
If Senate Bill 172 passes, officers would face charges for not cooperating with ICE.
“By all means, we cannot have criminalizing cops, because it’s infeasible for an officer out on the street, in the middle of the night, to somehow be making contact with ICE when it is much more feasible and required for the detention facility to do that,” added Snyder.
The FOP said they encourage lawful entry into the U.S., along with federal agencies securing the border and focusing on threats to public safety, national security, and known fugitives.
Both the organization and Chief Bailey want to reiterate to residents their job is to protect and serve the local communities, and people should not feel scared to contact them.
“It is important to emphasize: if you are in Indianapolis and are a victim of a crime or need assistance, we are here to help – regardless of your immigration status,” said Bailey.