Immigration Enforcement
COMMUNITYCITY GOVERNMENT
As a councilmember, I have heard from many members of the community asking about Mercer Island policy with regards to immigration enforcement. The full policy can be found here.
Key excerpts of this policy are here:
It is the policy of the Mercer Island Police Department that all members make personal and professional commitments to the equal enforcement of the law and equal service to the public. Confidence in this commitment will increase the effectiveness of this department in protecting and servicing the entire community and recognizing the dignity of all persons, regardless of their immigration status.
The enforcement of the nation's immigration laws is primarily the responsibility of the federal government. As such, Officers shall not inquire about the immigration status during police contacts except as provided in this policy.
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In an effort to build public trust, and to encourage crime reporting and cooperation in the investigation of criminal activity, all individuals, regardless of their immigration status must feel secure that contacting or being addressed by members of law enforcement will not automatically lead to immigration inquiry and/or deportation. While it may be necessary to determine the identity of a victim or witness, members shall treat all individuals equally and without regard to race, immigration status, or national origin in any way that would violate the United States or Washington State Constitutions.
This policy is consistent with RCW 10.93.160, which states, among other things:
The legislature finds that it is not the primary purpose of state and local law enforcement agencies or school resource officers to enforce civil federal immigration law. The legislature further finds that the immigration status of an individual or an individual's presence in, entry, or reentry to, or employment in the United States alone, is not a matter for police action, and that United States federal immigration authority has primary jurisdiction for enforcement of the provisions of Title 8 U.S.C. dealing with illegal entry.