Waltham Police Captain on Immigration Policy: 'We're Here to Protect and Serve Everybody'

WALTHAM, MA – Federal immigration policy can be a convoluted subject for local law enforcement. The extent to which police departments cooperate with federal authorities is often open ended, to the point that some municipalities have enacted legislation to protect undocumented immigrants, effectively becoming "sanctuary cities."

Waltham has no such policy, though many in the Watch City have called on officials to pass similar ordinances. At a meeting for Latino parents earlier this month, city officials addressed the concerns several families had in the wake of the president's executive orders on immigration.

A chief issue was how the Waltham Police Department works with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Capt. Kevin O'Connell spoke at the meeting and offered some insight into how the department addresses federal immigration law. O'Connell said the only time police contact ICE is when there is a "serious crime or a violent crime" such as assault with a dangerous weapon, drug dealing or robbery.

For minor offenses, such as driving without a license, the department frequently issues a complaint and does not take someone into custody.

Outside of criminal activity, O'Connell said the Waltham Police Department will not notify federal authorities of a person's citizen status.

"That's not our job," O'Connell said. "We're here to protect and serve everybody."

Watch O'Connell outline the department's policy below, via Waltham Newswatch:

Image via Waltham PD Twitter