Washington, D.C. Police Department's New Policy on Immigration Enforcement: What You Need to Know
The Washington, D.C. police department has implemented a new policy allowing officers to inform federal immigration enforcement agencies about individuals who are not in custody, even during routine traffic stops. This change was announced by Chief of Police Pamela Smith in an executive order issued on Thursday, just four days after President Donald Trump assumed control of the city's police force.
According to the memo, members of the Metropolitan Police Department are now permitted to share information about individuals who are not currently in police custody and provide transportation for federal immigration agency employees and detained subjects. However, officers are prohibited from using any database solely to inquire about an individual's immigration status.
In a recent incident, a person who was stopped by D.C. police officers for driving without a license was subsequently taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday. This case highlights the potential impact of the new policy on individuals who come into contact with law enforcement in the nation's capital.
As this story continues to develop, NBC Washington will provide updates and additional details on the implications of the D.C. police department's collaboration with federal immigration enforcement agencies. Stay tuned for more information on this evolving situation.