As President Trump began his second term Monday, enacting a crackdown on illegal immigration, Stockton police reaffirmed that officers won’t make it any easier for federal agents to round up anyone for deportation.
“We take pride in our approach to not enforcing immigration laws. We believe doing so would undermine the trust and safety we have worked hard to build within our community,” the department said in a statement. “Our focus remains committed to individual relationship policing and ensuring everyone’s well-being and security, regardless of immigration status.”
Five hours after it had been posted on Facebook, the statement had elicited more than 650 comments from both supporters and detractors — and few who were on the fence.
Stockton joins other police agencies in the state that have taken a similar stance. CalMatters found 13 California sheriffs who say their policy will be to comply with a “sanctuary” law that limits law enforcement inquiries about a person’s immigration status. (It did not yet have a response from San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow.)
Trump lost no time on Monday in addressing immigration after being sworn in as the nation’s 47th president.
He signed executive orders that make anyone in the country illegally a priority for deportation, reversing a Biden administration policy that had narrowed deportation priorities to those who commit serious crimes, are deemed national security threats or were stopped at the border. He also declared a national emergency at the Mexican border and plans to use the military to support immigration agents.
Trump’s so-called border czar, Tom Homan, told Fox News on Friday the incoming adminstration would “take the handcuffs off” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE agents are expected to begin sweeps for criminal illegal immigrants as soon as Tuesday.
The Stockton Police Department, however, said not only will it not enforce the new immigration laws, but it will do its best to get the word out about its policy. Local authorities plan to create a public service announcement focusing on immigration and community safety. And members of Police Chief Stanley McFadden’s advisory board will act as “compassionate ambassadors” in an outreach effort.
“We serve all residents with fairness, dignity, and respect, ensuring Stockton remains safe, welcoming, and thriving. Our focus on building trust and strengthening relationships creates a future where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and our collective
well-being is protected,” the department said.
Some cities are going even further.
After Trump’s election in November, Los Angeles passed a “sanctuary city” ordinance. It orders city departments not to share information on people’s immigration status with federal immigration agents. It also says city resources cannot be used for immigration enforcement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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