Police Chief to Reaffirm Department Immigration Policy

In a presentation scheduled for the police oversight commission, Police Chief Gene Harris is reaffirming that his department will not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement.

“We will not participate in immigration activities as that is not in our jurisdiction, nor part of our core mission,” Harris said.

The department’s policy prohibits officers from enforcing civil immigration laws, detaining or arresting individuals solely for civil immigration violations, or notifying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless specific criteria under state law are met.

Exceptions apply only in cases involving national security, terrorism, transnational criminal activity, or valid federal criminal warrants under 8 USC §1326(a) or (b).

The presentation will be made to the police oversight commission on Thursday.

Several people were detained by immigration officers last month sparking local rallies and calls for locals to file kidnapping reports.

Harris said the department has not received confirmed reports of criminal activity or abductions tied to immigration enforcement in Pasadena.

In all known cases where federal agents were present, he said, they were “legitimate authorities engaged in lawful activities.”

To address public concerns, Harris has requested that ICE establish an after-action notification protocol to distinguish legitimate operations from potential criminal impersonators.

The department is also working on creating a command post similar to the District Attorney’s model to serve as a hub for ICE communications.

“This will allow us to get information directly related to ICE field activities,” Harris said. “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.”

Immigration status will not be used as a basis for police scrutiny and that victims and witnesses — including those of human trafficking or qualifying crimes — will be assisted without regard to nationality or race.

Officers are required to complete federal victim certification forms within statutory deadlines and document all decisions.

Annual reports on ICE transfers and visa requests will be submitted to the California Department of Justice and the Legislature, and officers will continue training on the difference between civil and criminal violations, state law restrictions, and proper handling of visa requests.

Harris urged residents to contact police about suspicious activity without fear of immigration inquiries.

“We respect all people and hope to reduce fear of contact with your Pasadena Police professionals,” Harris said.