By Police1 Staff
MIAMI — Major city police chiefs want to meet with the Department of Homeland Security to get clarity on how officials plan to handle the relocation of immigrants in their cities.
According to The Washington Post, the Major Cities Chiefs Association wants a voice in the federal policymaking process.
Led by Houston police Chief Art Acevedo, the MCCA is seeking to learn how DHS will handle “sanctuary city” status declared by local governments. Acevedo has openly opposed a Texas law banning sanctuary cities.
“From our perspective, there is no such thing as a ‘sanctuary city’ in terms of taking action against those who would do harm to members of our communities,” Acevedo said.
The chiefs also want to discuss the federal policy on ICE civil detainers and the issue of notifying the agency before releasing prisoners who have immigration detainers.
Along with these issues, the chiefs say their local social service agencies are being overwhelmed by busloads of suddenly relocated immigrants.
“We need to know what is the plan and what is the impact on public safety,” Acevedo said. “We need to be part of the discussion because while immigration enforcement is a federal issue, these decisions have an impact on the safety and security of the American people, and that is our primary responsibility.”