Above: A community group is working with the police chief to put on a “non-partisan” forum this month to answer questions about the police department’s policy for dealing with immigration issues and ICE. (images cropped from flyer)
The group “Southborough Hate Has No Home Here” is sponsoring a community forum with Southborough Police Chief Ryan Newell. The focus of the event is his department’s role related to immigration enforcement.
During the forum, Chief Newell will provide an overview of the SPD’s guidelins for Civil Immigration Enforcement.
The public will also “have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open conversation with the Chief.”
According to the announcement, attendees will also receive information about “Southborough Public Schools’ policies and procedures related to ICE” (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
The promotion promises:
This is a non-political, nonpartisan community information event. All are welcome.
The forum will take place on Wednesday, June 24th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Pilgrim Church (15 Common Street).
The event flyer includes a QR code linking to the SPD’s policy (effective last July). The guidelines introduction includes the following “considerations”:
In adherence to the department’s community policing philosophy, all
community members and general stakeholders should know that they are
encouraged to seek and obtain police assistance and protection regardless
of their specific immigration and! or documentation status without fear of
status checks..This type of mutual trust and spirit of cooperation is crucial in preventing and solving crime incidents, as well as maintaining public order, safety, and security in the entire community.
The policy maintains that immigration investigation and enforcement is the role of the federal government, not the Town police. However it does also specify exceptions:
The prohibition does not preclude the Southborough Police Department
from cooperating and assisting with federal immigration officials from the
DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency when formally
requested as part of an on-going criminal investigation, or from notifying
those federal officials in serious situations where a potential threat to public
safety or national security is perceived.
To read the full policy, click here.
