Hennepin County Law Enforcement Reaffirms Commitment To Community Safety Beyond Immigration Status

Hennepin County Law Enforcement Reaffirms Commitment To Community Safety Beyond Immigration Status

In a move to reaffirm their stance on immigration, local law enforcement agencies in Hennepin County have made their position clear – community safety comes first, and everyone, regardless of their immigration status, is entitled to protection and aid from the police. As anxiety around the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement lingers in the public eye, the Hennepin County Chiefs of Police Association released an emphatic statement today reiterating the separate roles of local and federal authorities on this pressing issue.

In the statement, published by the Minnetonka Municipal website, the association expresses, "Hennepin County police departments remain steadfast in our commitment to serve and protect everyone in our communities - regardless of immigration status." They further highlight that to successfully safeguard the community, trust between the public and the police is pivotal. The local police chiefs assert that public safety is compromised whenever individuals are hesitant to freely engage with law enforcement due to fears concerning their immigration standing.

Addressing their duty as public servants, the Hennepin County police departments firmly distinguish their local work from what is the federal government's responsibility. "Our officers do not ask for citizenship status or immigration papers," making it clear that civil immigration violations are not within their wheelhouse. This policy is upheld regardless of which political administration is acting in the capital. This consistent approach aims to foster an environment where every community member feels secure to approach the police.

"It is an honor to protect and serve our communities, and we remain committed to public safety, accountability, and serving the people of Hennepin County with integrity and respect," the association conveyed. Such statements are part of an ongoing effort by local law enforcement to maintain public faith in their operations and to clarify their positions in the broader dialogue concerning immigration enforcement and local policing.

SOURCE: hoodline