Westport PD Releases Statement On Immigration Enforcement Policy

WESTPORT, CT — After receiving recent inquiries from local community members "concerning our policies on federal immigration enforcement and specifically the level of this department’s participation in these activities," the Westport Police Department has announced its policy.

The statement released on Thursday evening comes as President Donald Trump announced that federal immigration raids are slated to begin on Sunday across the country. The raids reportedly will target undocumented individuals.

Westport police did not directly address that news, but said that it "is in no way affiliated with or actively participating in federal efforts at immigration enforcement."

"[Westport Police] Chief Foti Koskinas would like to reassure the community that as a first generation immigrant himself, he is sensitive to and certainly shares the concerns of the community at large as it relates to this matter," officials stated. "The Westport Police department is in no way affiliated with or actively participating in federal efforts at immigration enforcement. This department strictly adheres to and trains its officers on the Connecticut Trust Act, which clearly defines the circumstances and duration under which a prisoner in the custody of state or local police or corrections can be held solely on the basis of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer request. Initially enacted into law on January 1, 2014, it is also noteworthy to mention that legislation was also recently passed updating this act and further limiting these conditions. A link to the original legislation has been included below for those interested.

"The Westport Police Department recognizes and truly values the diversity of the community which we serve and seeks to foster an environment of trust in which victims of crime actively seek our assistance regardless of immigration status. As has been set forth as a guiding principle in our mission statement, this agency will always treat all with the respect and dignity that they deserve."

The Connecticut Trust Act can be viewed by clicking here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/act/pa/2013PA-00155-R00HB-06659-PA.htm