A heightened effort is underway by the federal government to identify arrest and deport to their home country anyone that has come to the U.S. illegally and has committed a crime.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison issued a statement to citizens about the federal immigration enforcement changes, saying, “County courts do not address immigration issues, they handle criminal matters, regardless of a person’s immigration status.”
“Chelan County Sheriff’s Office will continue to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies, as we always have, to safeguard the safety of our communities and the deputies who serve them,” the Sheriff wrote in a news release. “Those partnerships will remain focused on threats such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism. To be clear immigration status will not be a factor in whether or not we conduct criminal investigations when a state law or local ordinance is violated. Furthermore, we will not allow someone’s immigration status to hinder investigations into crimes they may be involved in.”
“Our office will not and cannot impede federal operations, we will also ensure the safety of both federal law enforcement personnel and our communities,” said Morrison. “Additionally, Washington State Law (RCW 10.93.160) prohibits local law enforcement from assisting in or making arrests for civil immigration offenses. As such, the community will see no changes in how the Sheriff’s Office operates regarding immigration enforcement. We want to assure everyone that no one should fear reaching out to 9-1-1 for help due to their immigration status.
Sheriff Morrison added, “In closing, we want to reassure everyone that our commitment is to serve the public with integrity, fairness and respect for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.”
Comments