Immigration violations not priority: chief
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Saratoga Springs Police Chief Greg Veitch said Tuesday that immigration enforcement is not a priority for the city Police Department, and officers will not detain any individual solely for a civil violation of federal immigration laws.
“Immigration violations are the responsibility of federal agencies, not necessarily local police officers,” Veitch said, reading from a prepared statement during the City Council meeting Tuesday. “However, should a federal law enforcement
agency request assistance from the Saratoga Springs police, we will provide assistance consistent with out policies and procedures, as we would for any other law enforcement organization needing assistance within city limits.”
At the meeting, Veitch said several people have expressed concerns about immigration enforcement in the city. Commissioner of Public Safety Christian Mathiesen requested Veitch explain, for him and the public, the police department’s procedures regarding those who are in the country illegally.
“It is important that the public is informed as to how the police department operates when it comes to issues that tend to generate fear and concern in the community,” said Veitch.
Veitch said criminal offenders in custody or individuals who have been verified to have a valid warrant from any federal agency, including ICE, will be detained by city police in accordance with the law. Criminal offenders wanted by another law enforcement agency will be held pending the transfer of custody, he said.
“We will not, however, detain any individual solely for a civil violation of federal immigration laws,” Veitch said in the statement. “Nor will SSPD detain any individual that would otherwise be eligible for release, simply for the purpose of notifying federal authorities or to check immigration status.”
The statement said the officers are not trained to enforce immigration laws under the federal program sometimes referred to as 287(g) certification.
Veitch said the highest priority of the city Police Department is to respect the Constitutional rights of all citizens, and for its officers to treat everyone they encounter with dignity and respect.
“Our mission is to serve and protect the residents and visitors of Saratoga Springs, regardless of their immigration status,” Veitch said in the statement.
He said police believe there should be no barriers for anyone who wishes to report a crime to the police or to contact a police officer for any reason.
“It is important to emphasize again that immigration violations are not a priority for the Saratoga Springs Police Department. We are committed to equal enforcement of the law and equal service to the public. We serve the entire community and recognize the dignity of all persons, regardless of their immigration status,” Veitch said in the statement. “That does not mean, however, that the members of this agency will refuse to cooperate with ICE or any other law enforcement agency. The complex reality of immigration enforcement in the United States today demands that local law enforcement agencies take a reasonable and professional approach to this issue. The Saratoga Springs Police Department is committed to effective, constitutional policing in this and all areas of our mission to protect and serve the public.”