On Wednesday, Martinez Police Chief Andrew White reiterated policy that their job was to ensure safety for all people in the City of Martinez.
“As police chief, my primary responsibility is ensuring the safety and security of all residents, regardless of immigration status,” said White. “It is important that every individual, including undocumented immigrants feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with law enforcement without fear of consequences.”
White said California has strong laws and policies to protect those in need and safeguards will remain in place while noting with policy changes, some in the immigrant community are experiencing fear and uncertainty.
“It is important to note that enforcing federal immigration law has never been the role of local police as public safety is our guiding mission,” stated White. “At the same time, I do recognize the importance of holding dangerous individuals accountable and California Law does allow agencies to collaborate with federal partners in target threats for terrorism, human trafficking and organized crime. But always based on criminal action and not immigration status.”
White said the Martinez Police Department does have a policy that limits cooperation with ICE.
“Our policy hasn’t changed since back when the resolution was adopted and frankly in my 20+ years in law enforcement that has been the case. We don’t participate in sweeps and so forth. Our role is not to ask people for papers, we respond to crimes and request for assistance to everybody regardless of what that status may be,” explained White. “While I do understand the fear is very real for some as we are seeing more operations, what you see from your local department, the Martinez Police Department, it will remain the same as its always been and I don’t expect anything change.”
White did add that he received a letter from the Department of Justice saying they could be charged with felonies for obstructing them in their work but shared they haven’t obstructed them and didn’t anticipate doing that.
“All of our policies comply with California law,” said White who called it a non-issue but good to reaffirm the policy while noting this wasn’t a political statement, but rather their job was “safety”.
Mayor Brianne Zorn requested they be notified if the notification gets increased from a letter to any other communication.
Councilmember Greg Young thanked the chief for his presentation.
“I think that was a powerful show of support and display by this body, so I appreciate that,” said Young who wanted the policy more prominent on the website.
- Martinez Police Department – Immigration Violations Policy
- Martinez Police Department – Bias-Based Policing Policy
Reiteration of Resolution No. 025-17 – United Community
At the meeting, the council reiterated its Resolution No. 025-17- United Community which was adopted in 2017. The resolution says the City of Martinez is committed to serving and protecting all of its residents with high value placed on diversity, equality and inclusivity. The city will also not inquire upon a resident’s immigration status in either provision of municipal services or in the course of law enforcement. It also says, the city of Martinez Police Department shall not arrest or detain any person solely for violations pertaining to immigration status.
- The City Shall not request or maintain information on citizenship or immigration status of any person unless such inquiry is required by state law, federal law, or judicial decision
- The City shall not expend resources to conduct sweeps or other concentrated efforts for the purpose of locating and/or detaining persons who are solely suspected of being illegally present in the United States.
Previous:
- Feb 3 – Martinez to Hear Police Department Policies on Immigration Violations
- Feb 2 – Richmond Police to Uphold Sanctuary City Policies
- Feb 2 – Concord Police Issue Statement on ICE Activity
- Feb 1 – Antioch Police, Brentwood Police & Pittsburg Police
