Police refuse to assist in federal immigration raids, prioritizing community trust over federal demands.
Quick Takes
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) won’t participate in illegal immigrant “roundups”
- LVMPD policy prohibits investigating immigration violations
- Sheriff McMahill emphasizes community-oriented policing regardless of immigration status
- Multiple U.S. police departments resist Trump’s immigration policies
- Federal authorities face challenges in mass deportations without local cooperation
Las Vegas Police Take a Stand on Immigration Enforcement
In a bold move that echoes the sentiments of several major U.S. cities, Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has declared that his officers will not assist federal authorities in rounding up illegal immigrants. This stance, first instituted in 2019 and amended in 2023, underscores a growing trend among local law enforcement agencies to prioritize community trust over federal immigration enforcement demands.
Sheriff McMahill’s position is clear and unambiguous. When asked about participating in immigration enforcement, he stated plainly, “That’s not my job. I have too much to do.” This sentiment reflects the LVMPD’s commitment to community-oriented policing, focusing on building relationships with all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
The LVMPD’s policy explicitly prohibits officers from enforcing immigration violations or detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status. This approach aims to foster an environment where all community members feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with law enforcement, without fear of deportation.
Chicago PD says it ‘will not assist’ with upcoming ICE deportations pic.twitter.com/kxEgSNbxaH
— Kyle Becker (@surenewz) January 21, 2025
Balancing Local and Federal Priorities
While the LVMPD maintains its stance on non-cooperation with immigration raids, it does not completely sever ties with federal agencies. The department will continue to share criminal intelligence with law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and will notify ICE when a foreign-born individual is arrested for certain serious crimes.
However, the LVMPD draws a clear line when it comes to detaining individuals for ICE. The department will not delay the release of an inmate to accommodate ICE and will release a migrant if ICE is not present at the time of release. This policy has drawn criticism from federal immigration authorities who argue that such practices endanger communities and agents.
A National Trend of Resistance
Las Vegas is not alone in its stance. Police departments across the United States, including those in Chicago, Omaha, and Stockton, have declared their refusal to participate in deportation raids or assist in immigration enforcement without a reported crime. This widespread resistance comes in response to the Trump administration’s initiation of mass deportations and ICE’s “targeted enforcement operations.”
The refusal of local law enforcement to cooperate presents significant challenges for federal authorities. Mass deportations require coordination between federal and local agencies, and the lack of cooperation can increase costs and complicate operations. In response, the Trump administration has threatened to investigate and prosecute local efforts that impede its immigration policies, citing federal law that prohibits obstruction of lawful immigration commands.
Looking Ahead
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, Sheriff McMahill expresses hope for a bipartisan effort to secure the border. However, he remains firm in his commitment to the current policy, prioritizing community trust and local public safety over federal immigration enforcement demands.
The stance taken by Las Vegas and other cities reflects a growing tension between federal immigration policies and local law enforcement priorities. As this issue continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the balance between national security concerns and community-oriented policing will be struck in cities across America.
Sources:
NYPD to Cops: Your Job Is Not to Help ICE
Trump’s immigration crackdown met with defiance from local police
