Mendota Heights Police Do Not Ask About Immigration Status

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN — The Mendota Heights police does not ask an individual’s immigration status in the normal course and scope of the department’s duty, the department announced in a Facebook post Monday.

"To actively inquire about immigration status would be contrary to department’s mission and would be a barrier to communication with an already disadvantaged population," MHPD said. "All members of the Police Department make a personal and professional commitment to equal law enforcement to the public."

"To encourage crime reporting and cooperation all individuals must feel secure that contacting law enforcement will not automatically lead to an immigration inquiry and/or deportation."

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"In addition, it is the policy of the Mendota Heights Police Department and the Dakota County Sheriff office to not enforce U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer holds."

MHPD's statement is similar to comments made by Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges in November, when she said she "will continue to stand by immigrants in Minneapolis."

Also read: Minneapolis Mayor Warns Donald Trump on Undocumented Immigrants

At the time, Hodges noted that Minneapolis has codified in ordinance that our police officers will not do the work of the Federal government and ICE regarding immigration status.

"If police officers were to do the work of ICE it would harm our ability to keep people safe and solve crimes," Hodges added. "Witnesses and victims of crimes won't come forward if they think our police officers will question or detain them about their immigration status. Our ordinance has helped us solve crime and keep communities safer. If our police were doing the work of ICE, Minneapolis would be less safe for everyone, regardless of immigration status."

Image via Shutterstock