
Police refuse to assist in federal immigration raids, sparking debate on local law enforcement’s role in immigration policies.
Key Takeaways
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) will not participate in federal immigration “roundups”
- LVMPD policy prohibits officers from investigating or detaining individuals solely based on immigration status
- Several U.S. police departments are resisting involvement in federal immigration enforcement
- Trump administration threatens legal action against local efforts impeding immigration policies
- Debate continues over the impact of sanctuary policies on public safety and community trust
Las Vegas Police Refuse to Assist in Immigration Enforcement
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has made it clear that his officers will not participate in federal immigration “roundups.” The department’s policy, first established in 2019 and amended in 2023, prohibits officers from investigating immigration violations or detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status.
This stance aligns with the department’s focus on community-oriented policing, aiming to build relationships with all community members regardless of their immigration status. Sheriff McMahill emphasized the department’s priorities, stating, “That’s not my job. I have too much to do.”
Chicago PD says it ‘will not assist’ with upcoming ICE deportations pic.twitter.com/kxEgSNbxaH
— Kyle Becker (@surenewz) January 21, 2025
Limited Cooperation with ICE
While the LVMPD maintains a policy of non-involvement in immigration enforcement, it does share criminal intelligence with law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The department notifies ICE when a foreign-born individual is arrested for certain serious crimes. However, LVMPD will not delay the release of an inmate for ICE and will release a migrant if ICE is not present at the time of release.
This approach has drawn criticism from ICE, which argues that not honoring immigration detainers endangers communities and agents.
Nationwide Resistance to Federal Immigration Policies
Las Vegas is not alone in its stance. Police departments across the United States are resisting President Trump’s immigration policies, refusing to participate in deportation raids. Cities such as Chicago, Omaha, and Stockton have also stated that they will not assist in immigration enforcement without a reported crime.
This resistance comes as the Trump administration initiates mass deportations, with ICE conducting “targeted enforcement operations.” The president has declared a national emergency at the border and removed protections limiting immigration enforcement in sensitive areas.
Legal and Operational Challenges
The refusal of local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities presents significant challenges for the implementation of mass deportation efforts. Federal authorities rely heavily on cooperation from state and local law enforcement for such operations. Without this support, costs can increase, and operations become more complicated.
The Trump administration has threatened to investigate and prosecute local efforts that impede its immigration policies. The administration cites federal law prohibiting obstruction of lawful immigration commands as the basis for potential legal action against non-cooperative jurisdictions.
Sources:
NYPD to Cops: Your Job Is Not to Help ICE
Trump’s immigration crackdown met with defiance from local police