The Tucson Police Department says it’s monitoring federal immigration enforcement but is not taking part in local activity.
In a statement, Police Chief Chad Kasmar says the department is aware of and monitoring federal immigration enforcement activity taking place in cities in Arizona and in California.
Kasmar says that activity is also taking place in Tucson — but his department is not taking part. He says police officers will offer public safety support during demonstrations and will intervene if criminal behavior ensues.
Videos on social media show Tucson police in riot gear amid a confrontation earlier this week between demonstrators and security personnel outside an ICE facility in Tucson’s southside. Some protesters are seen throwing items at the facility’s window and spray painting the wall.
“The demonstration, related to national concerns surrounding immigration enforcement, began peacefully,” Tucson police said in a statement Thursday. “However, as the event progressed, several individuals engaged in criminal behavior, including vandalism of nearby businesses and the assault of private security personnel.”
The department says officers intervened to restore order and protect public safety. They arrested three people on charges including unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct, blocking a public thoroughfare and resisting arrest.
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Newly picked Phoenix Chief Matt Giordano recalled how SB 1070 sowed fear in the community, and he said there is no room for immigration enforcement in municipal policing. -
The bill includes a historic sum of some $170 billion for immigration enforcement and border security. -
President Donald Trump completely shut down refugee admissions and funding just after taking office in January. Aid groups, sponsors and refugees filed suit, arguing the president doesn’t have the authority to end a program created by Congress. -
Former service members say the deployment of active-duty Marines to Los Angeles and the use of military personnel along the border pose legal and moral questions for military members. -
Upon entering office on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump immediately enacted a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act to partially close the border. Migrants were completely barred from entering the U.S. to seek asylum.
