Law enforcement agencies in the South Bay remain in solidarity on the issue of immigration enforcement despite missing a key partner.
Police chiefs in Santa Clara County, including the sheriff and district attorney, signed a letter Wednesday to show they all agree to not cooperate in immigration enforcement actions. A signature from the California Highway Patrol's San Jose commander, however, is missing from the letter.
CHP's decision not to sign the letter is sending an uneasy feeling to immigrant rights groups.
The Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network, or SIREN, in Santa Clara County is also questioning the CHP's controversial decision.
"I hope that they are in the same line that immigrant rights agencies are saying to please not collaborate with ICE," SIREN Executive Director Maricela Gutierrez said.
CHP provided the following statement on Wednesday:
“The CHP is a general law enforcement agency whose primary mission is to save lives by enforcing traffic laws to reduce injuries and fatalities on our roadways. We do not stop motorists or take enforcement action based on someone’s immigration status. The CHP greatly values the trust and support of the very diverse communities it serves. Ensuring a high level of public trust through open communication and transparency will make the community safer and the CHP the successful law enforcement agency.
Local
The CHP is a state law enforcement agency and it is not our practice to sign onto local policy letters.”
