Tacoma PD reaffirms immigration policy, says it has no agreements with ICE
As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids ramp up in the country, the Tacoma Police Department has stated it will not enforce civil federal immigration laws.
“At TPD, our mission is to create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit,” Paul Junger, deputy chief of police, said in a news release. “We remain dedicated to enforcing the law fairly and impartially, preserving peace, and safeguarding constitutional guarantees for everyone in Tacoma.”
The release said the police department would continue to prioritize “safety, fairness, and trust within the community while upholding state law and ensuring that every member of the community feels secure.”
TPD will comply with state regulation, which says that local police do not enforce civil federal immigration laws. Tacoma police officers also will not inquire into a person’s immigration status unless it is connection to a criminal investigation, the release said.
School resource officers acting in their official capacity can not investigate or collect information about a person’s immigration status, the release said. They also cannot provide immigration information to authorities for enforcement
“Individuals cannot be detained solely for the purpose of determining their immigration status, nor can they be held for a civil immigration warrant or hold request,” the release said.
The Police Department said it is committed to serving and protecting all residents of Tacoma, regardless of immigration status.
“TPD is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe reporting crimes or concerns without fear of deportation or immigration-related actions.”
The release said there are no agreements with ICE, per Washington state immigration laws. TPD and other local agencies “cannot enter into agreements that would grant federal civil immigration enforcement powers to state or local officers, including agreements under the 287(g) program,” the release said.
“TPD will continue to ensure that all community members feel valued, safe, and protected as we work together toward a more inclusive and secure Tacoma,” the release said.
