Frederick Police Chief Reiterates Policy Regarding Immigration Enforcement

He says his office has received calls and e-mails from citizens who are afraid ICE raids could take place locally.Frederick Police Chief Jason LandoFrederick, Md (KM) Actions by federal immigration agents across the US rounding up those in the country illegally has generated some concern in Frederick. In a recent appearance on WFMD”s “Morning News Express,”  Police Chief Jason Lando says his office has been receiving phone calls and e-mails from citizens who are worried those operations could come to Frederick.”There are people in the community that are worried that we’re going to be randomly stopping cars, and checking peoples’ papers,”: he said. “Can people call 911 in an emergency?”Chief Lando says Frederick Police Officers enforce local laws, and do not ask about individuals’ immigration status when responding to calls for service; and they do not take part in Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. “Our policy hasn’t  changed. Donald Trump getting elected has nothing to with our policy. And most police departments have the same policy; we enforce local laws, criminal  laws and traffic laws: and ICE enforces immigration laws,”: he saidHowever, Chief Lando says the Frederick Police cannot prevent ICE agents from doing their jobs if they come to the city of Frederick. “If they were to go into a church,  let’s say, or a school–we don’t think that’s going to happen and we hope that’s not going to happen–but if it does, we would not prohibit them or obstruct them in any way. They have their job and we have our job, and we’re not going to prevent each other from doing their jobs,” Lando says.The Frederick Police Department posted a statement on Facebook explaining its policy regarding the enforcement of immigration laws.  It says it will try to address rumors floating around, particularly about ICE agents entering schools and other community spaces. “While we may not be able to address every rumor or hypothetical scenario, we strongly encourage you to rely our official communication channels for accurate and up-to-date information. We will do our very best to keep the community informed,” statement says.BY Kevin McManus