The Kent Police Department says it’s committed to serving and protecting all members of the community, regardless of immigration status, and that it does not assist with immigration enforcement.
The Kent Police Department (KPD) stated that Mayor Dana Ralph and police Chief Rafael Padilla want all Kent residents to know that no one in Kent should fear calling 911 for help due to their immigration status.
KPD stated that a Washington law, the Keep Washington Working Act, and Kent police policy prohibit its officers from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other federal law enforcement entity with federal civil immigration enforcement.
KPD said that federal immigration enforcement is not the function of local law enforcement, and officers are prohibited from taking action based on a person’s immigration status.
KPD said that if anyone in the community observes a situation that creates a public safety concern, they should call 911 and report it. KPD said it will respond, assess the situation and take action to ensure public safety, while keeping in mind that ICE has the authority to seize and arrest people within the scope of federal law.
“Kent police do not have jurisdictional authority over ICE or any other federal law enforcement agency,” KPD stated. “Federal law enforcement act in accordance with federal law, and it is against federal law for anyone, including Kent police officers to interfere with their operations.”
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