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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ICE held about 60,000 people as of Sept. 21, the most recent data available. In the prior month, 1,151 detainees were held in isolation for at least one day — the most ever. The count has topped 1,000 every month since April. -
An Arizona tribal member got mixed up in a close-call mistake made by local authorities at an Iowa jail after nearly being turned over to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. -
The U-visa is approved in limited quantities to immigrant victims of certain crimes who agree to work with law enforcement. If approved, it provides a path to a green card and a work permit. -
The Tucson Baseball Team was scheduled to host its fifth home series game at Tucson’s Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium starting Nov. 18. But the team says it’ll be playing those games in Mexicali, Mexico, instead amid ongoing issues getting U.S. visas. -
The complaints come at the same time as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum navigates delicate negotiations with the Trump administration, one analyst says.
