Police refuse to assist in federal immigration raids, sparking debate on local law enforcement’s role in immigration policy.
Key Takeaways
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) will not participate in federal immigration “roundups”
- LVMPD policy prohibits officers from investigating or detaining individuals solely based on immigration status
- Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasizes community-oriented policing over immigration enforcement
- Trump administration threatens legal action against non-cooperative local law enforcement
- ICE criticizes sanctuary policies, claiming they endanger communities and agents
Las Vegas Police Refuse to Assist in Immigration Raids
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has taken a firm stance against participating in federal immigration enforcement activities. In a recent statement, McMahill declared that his officers would not assist federal authorities with illegal immigrant “roundups,” asserting that such operations fall outside their jurisdiction and responsibilities.
The LVMPD’s policy, first implemented in 2019 and amended in 2023, explicitly prohibits officers from investigating immigration violations or detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status. This approach aligns with the department’s focus on community-oriented policing, aiming to build trust and relationships with all community members, regardless of their immigration status.
Chicago PD says it ‘will not assist’ with upcoming ICE deportations pic.twitter.com/kxEgSNbxaH
— Kyle Becker (@surenewz) January 21, 2025
Implications for Federal Immigration Enforcement
The LVMPD’s stance reflects a growing trend among local law enforcement agencies across the United States. Many police departments are resisting involvement in federal immigration enforcement activities, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s renewed push for mass deportations. This resistance complicates federal efforts, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often relies on cooperation from state and local law enforcement to carry out large-scale operations.
While the LVMPD maintains its non-involvement policy, it does share criminal intelligence with other law enforcement agencies, including ICE. The department will notify ICE when a foreign-born individual is arrested for certain serious crimes. However, it will not delay the release of an inmate for ICE and will proceed with release if ICE agents are not present at the scheduled time.
Criticism and Support for Non-Cooperation Policies
The decision by LVMPD and other police departments to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement has drawn criticism from ICE and supporters of stricter immigration policies. ICE argues that such non-cooperation endangers communities and complicates their operations.
Tom Homan, who served as Trump’s border czar, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of sanctuary cities and policies that limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Homan emphasizes the importance of a secure border for public safety, linking it to issues such as human trafficking and drug smuggling.
Federal Response and Legal Implications
The Trump administration has taken a hard line against local jurisdictions that impede its immigration policies. There have been threats to investigate and prosecute local efforts that obstruct federal immigration enforcement, citing federal law that prohibits the obstruction of lawful immigration commands.
Despite these threats, many local law enforcement agencies maintain that they lack the authority to enforce federal immigration laws without specific agreements with ICE. The reluctance of local police to participate in immigration enforcement stems from concerns about community trust, resource allocation, and the legal complexities of federal immigration law.
Sources:
NYPD to Cops: Your Job Is Not to Help ICE
Trump’s immigration crackdown met with defiance from local police
