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The Santa Monica Police Department has issued an official statement regarding the unrest over recent federal immigration action in downtown Los Angeles:
"Dear Santa Monica Community,
The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is dedicated to serving and protecting all community members, regardless of immigration status. In light of recent federal immigration actions and executive orders, we want to reassure our residents that our department will not participate in immigration enforcement operations. Our long-standing policy remains unchanged: immigration enforcement is solely the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies under Title 8 of the United States Code.
We do not and will not conduct independent sweeps, raids, or other concentrated efforts to detain individuals based on their immigration status. Moreover, the Santa Monica Police Department will abide by California Law SB54 / The California Values Act (2017).
Public safety is built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law to all individuals within its jurisdiction, including those who call Santa Monica home. We understand that for law enforcement to be effective, everyone, regardless of immigration status, must feel safe when seeking our assistance.
One of the primary reasons SMPD does not enforce immigration violations is to ensure that undocumented community members who are victims or witnesses of crime feel assured and confident in coming forward. No one in our community should fear that reporting a crime or calling for help will lead to deportation. By maintaining this policy, we foster a safer city where everyone can participate in keeping our community secure. We will not allow anyone to feel they can criminally victimize our immigrant community. Through our relationship with the community, we will follow up and investigate reported crimes.
While SMPD does not engage in federal immigration enforcement, we remain steadfast in holding all individuals accountable for criminal behavior, regardless of their immigration status.
Our mission is to uphold public safety for all residents. We will continue to work tirelessly to build trust and strengthen relationships with our diverse community. Santa Monica is a place of inclusion, dignity, and respect, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels protected and valued.
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Santa Monica Police Department. We are here to serve everyone in our community who needs our help.
Thank you,
Chief Ramon Batista"
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