Medford Police Outline Policy On Federal Immigration Enforcement

MEDFORD, MA – Medford law enforcement and city officials on Wednesday unveiled its new policy outlining the department's role in working with federal immigration authorities. The policy is designed to build trust between the city and its immigrant residents, according to the ACLU and Medford People Power.

Under the policy, the department will not do the following:

• ask a person about immigration status or request immigration documents
• arrest or detain a person based on a request from an immigration agent
• consider immigration status when a police report is filed

Police will assist immigrant crime victims with U-visas, which are designed for victims of crimes and their immediate family members who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminals.

The department will also work with ICE and federal agencies to investigate crimes "when there is a threat to public safety or national security."

"It is heartening to see Medford – whose residents come from all over the world – standing up for families, community, and equal treatment," Laura Rótolo, ACLU of Massachusetts Staff Counsel and Community Advocate, said in a press release. "As an immigrant, a mom, and a Medford resident, I am especially proud today to call this city my home."

File Photo: ICE