IMPD Chief Confirms the Department Does Not have Authority to Enforce Federal Immigration Laws

Source: IMPD / WISH-TV

INDIANAPOLIS – You may have heard about President Donald Trump’s plans to make changes to federal immigration laws. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey says the department will not involve themselves with those federal matters.

“Local law enforcement, including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), does not have the authority to enforce federal immigration laws,” said Chief Bailey in a statement released Thursday. “IMPD has not been asked to take part in immigration sweeps, nor do we have any intention of doing so – this is not our role.”

According to the statement, IMPD officers do not inquire about someone’s immigration status during routine investigations. Bailey says the top priority of the department is reducing crime and violence in Indianapolis.

“It is important to emphasize: if you are in Indianapolis and are a victim of a crime or need assistance, we are here to help – regardless of your immigration status,” read the statement from Bailey.

President Trump recently signed an executive order that would limit birthright citizenship, but that’s currently being held up in court.