Las Vegas police take a stand against federal immigration raids, prioritizing community trust over enforcement.
At a Glance
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) refuses to participate in federal immigration raids
- Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasizes community-oriented policing over immigration enforcement
- LVMPD policy restricts collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Trump administration threatens legal action against non-cooperative local law enforcement
- Debate continues over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement
LVMPD’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has taken a firm stance against participating in federal immigration enforcement operations.
Yes, police officers are refusing the President’s orders.
One sheriff, Kevin McMahill, has made it clear that his officers will not assist in what he refers to as illegal immigrant “roundups.” This decision aligns with a growing trend among police departments across the United States that are resisting the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Do they want dangerous illegals and criminals in their neighborhoods?
The LVMPD’s policy, first instituted in 2019 and amended in 2023, emphasizes that officers will not enforce immigration violations or detain individuals solely based on their undocumented status. This approach prioritizes community-oriented policing and aims to build relationships with community members regardless of their immigration status.
— Shaneⓧ🟧🦇🟦 (@ShaneAChristie) September 1, 2024
Federal Push for Local Cooperation
The Trump administration has initiated mass deportations, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting what they term “targeted enforcement operations.” These efforts have been met with resistance from various local law enforcement agencies, including those in Las Vegas, Chicago, Omaha, and Stockton, who have stated they will not assist in immigration enforcement without a reported crime.
While the LVMPD maintains its position on immigration enforcement, the department does cooperate with federal agencies in specific circumstances. The policy allows for sharing criminal intelligence with law enforcement agencies, including ICE, regarding transnational organized crime and international terrorism. Additionally, the department will notify ICE when a foreign-born individual is arrested for violent felonies, domestic violence, or DUI, but will not delay their release for ICE.
But Trump’s border czar isn’t having it.
“When you release a public safety threat back into the community, that puts the community at great risk of crime, and it puts our officers at great risk. Now, they’ve got to arrest the bad guy on his turf, where he has access to who knows what weapons, and it puts the public at risk,” Tom Homan said.
So now Trump has to convince the nation’s police officers to enforce the law? We are in a real bad spot here…
