Police Chief Reiterates His Department Does Not Assist or Participate in ICE Enforcement, Urges Calm

Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris issued a carefully worded public statement on Monday night in response to a mounting series of federal immigration operations in Pasadena.  Harris reaffirmed that his department does not participate in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities and delivered a pointed plea for residents to avoid physical escalation during times of heightened tensions.

Harris began by reaffirming that neither the City of Pasadena nor its Police Department will assist with or participate in federal immigration operations.

He said that Pasadena Police will respond to all emergency calls “regardless of immigration status,” describing the department’s mission to ensure public safety above all.

“My plea to our Pasadena community is to refrain from engaging in any physical activity that could jeopardize safety and/or escalate tensions. As peace officers, our objective is to keep the peace, maintain order, and protect the safety of all involved,” Harris said.

Here is the Chief’s statement in full:

“The City of Pasadena has experienced recent federal immigration operations and community calls for service related to those activities. As your Police Chief, I recognize the fear and anxiety that this can cause within our community, and I want to reassure you that the men and women of my department are here to respond to all calls for service regardless of immigration status.

“As previously stated, neither the City of Pasadena nor its Police Department will assist with or participate in federal immigration operations. Instead, our role is focused on maintaining public safety, responding to calls for service to protect life and property throughout the city. Our assistance is aimed at protecting all people—residents and visitors, those who are peacefully protesting, and those who are enforcing our laws—from unlawful acts and violence.

“My plea to our Pasadena community is to refrain from engaging in any physical activity that could jeopardize safety and/or escalate tensions. As peace officers, our objective is to keep the peace, maintain order, and protect the safety of all involved.

“During these trying times, I will continue to collaborate with our city leaders, our community partners, and our partner agencies to foster trust and respect between law enforcement and the diverse community we serve.”

Gene Harris
Police Chief