JANESVILLE – Janesville and Beloit police say they will not be out specifically checking on people’s immigration status as the Trump administration prepares to make good on a promise of mass deportations in the coming months.
The Janesville Police Department issued a statement Monday addressing community concerns about immigration enforcement.
Beloit police recently announced a similar policy.
The statement released by Janesville police said they will not proactively inquire about an individual’s immigration status during routine interactions.
“An individual’s immigration status is unconnected to the Janesville Police Department’s mission to work cooperatively with the community to enforce the law, preserve the peace, reduce the fear of crime and provide a safe environment,” according to the statement.
The federal government, specifically the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), primarily oversees the enforcement of immigration laws.
Because of that JPD will not initiate any immigration-related investigations unless the case involves an individual who has committed serious crimes that directly threaten public safety.
The Janesville Police Department will continue its practice of notifying ICE when it detains undocumented individuals who have:
- Been arrested for any violent felony.
- Been reasonably suspected of participating in a criminal street gang.
- Been reasonably suspected of engaging in terrorism or espionage.
- Been deported before, and there are grounds for officers to detain or arrest them based on independent factors.
According to the statement, everyone has the right to file a police report or seek services from the Janesville Police Department, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Officers say they are committed to treating all individuals equally and fairly without considering their immigration status.
As such, officers will not routinely ask about the immigration status of people they encounter during police activities.
