Interim chief: Arroyo Grande police will not assist in civil immigration enforcement unless required by law

Interim Police Chief Dave Culver responded to written public comments and questions about alleged unlawful apprehensions, telling the Arroyo Grande City Council the police department is prohibited from assisting in civil immigration enforcement under state law and is committed to serving all residents. "Under the California Values Act, local law enforcement agencies are prohibited from assisting federal immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) in civil immigration enforcement actions," Culver said. "Our department is bound by state and federal laws that limit our involvement in immigration enforcement activities. We cannot and will not participate in interfering with federal immigration enforcement operations unless explicitly mandated by law or court order." Culver said the department values open dialogue with the community and thanked residents for bringing concerns forward. He also urged anyone who sees activity that may be outside the bounds of federal enforcement'for example, masked officers or unmarked vehicles'to call 911 so local officers can respond and assess the situation. "If you see something, call 911. Let us come out and investigate it, and we'll make a determination on scene whether or not they're operating within their legal recourse," he said. Council members asked whether the department could post the guidance on the city's website; staff agreed to look into that. No changes to department policy were announced; Culver reiterated the department's commitment to professionalism and to building trust in the community.