“The Grand Rapids Police Department is not in the business of immigration enforcement, period.”
Chief Eric Winstrom addressed the issue at a city commission retreat, answering an inquiry from the city manager, then further clarified:
“We have a great relationship with all of our federal partners but made it clear to them as well that there's a very clear dividing line. We're going to be doing our job and it's not going to be doing their job for them."
Similarly, interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says his department will continue to share information on people being held on criminal complaints with federal agencies, but that’s all.
“I don’t expect ICE to start writing speeding tickets and helping me out on the freeways and other places with enforcing local ordinances. So, I’m going to stay in my lane, and we will allow them - they’ll stay in their lane.”
Officials note there have not been large-scale federal immigration raids in Michigan, but many advocacy groups are concerned after President Donald Trump signed executive orders focusing on border security and immigration enforcement.
Grand Rapid’s Chief Winstrom highlighted why police agencies are sharing department policies.
"We want people to feel comfortable calling 911, especially victims coming forward without the fear of information regarding their documentation status being provided to immigration authorities."
