Guest Essay | Police Chief Gene Harris: Pasadena Police Department’s Response to Federal Immigration Activities

Considering the recent fervor stirred by federal immigration activities in our community, and in the spirit of open communication, the Pasadena Police Department (“PPD”) has and will continue to deliver a consolidated message.  The message?  “We will not participate in immigration activities as that is not in our jurisdiction, nor part of our core mission.”

Over the past few weeks, the community and City staff have expressed concerns over the potential for bad actors who may take advantage of this situation and engage in criminal activity that adversely impacts community members and their families.  Consequently, our message must be clear. As Police Chief, I recognize the overall angst and offer the following information in hopes of quelling confusion and reducing fear.  To date, we have not had any confirmed reports of criminal activity or abductions of people from within our community.  We have confirmed that each of the events where there was immigration activity and the presence of federal authorities, were, in fact legitimate authorities engaged in lawful activities.

I recently dispatched a letter to the Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) requesting an after-action notification protocol that will help us distinguish between legitimate law enforcement actions and potential bad actors engaged in criminal activity.  I anticipate based on our communications; this will occur.  Additionally, we are working to establish a clearinghouse or command post, like the District Attorney (“DA”) Command Post, which will be a hub for ICE communications.  This will allow us to get information directly, related to ICE field activities.

Local area police chiefs and other officials including your Pasadena representatives are working to ease fear and tension and, in that regard, I wish to reiterate that, PPD will respond to any calls of suspicious activity as this is part of our community protection protocols, and we will never inquire as to immigration status as it is not relevant to our local law enforcement mission.  We respect all people and hope to reduce fear of contact with your Pasadena Police professionals and offer this as a standing message….When in doubt, Call us out!