Milton police chief tells residents department will not conduct civil immigration enforcement

Police Chief Tony Hernandez addressed recent national news and local concern about immigration‑enforcement activity, telling the Milton City Council he hears fear among residents and that the Milton Police Department will prioritize safety, de‑escalation and constitutional protections.

"Our department does not engage in civil immigration enforcement," Hernandez said, adding that officers "do not ask about immigration status when responding to calls for service" and that the department’s mission is to protect life, property and constitutional rights. He cited Washington state law in his remarks and distributed a handout titled "Know your rights with police and federal immigration authorities in the state of Washington," produced by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network.

Hernandez said local law enforcement’s role is to remain present to prevent escalation and act as mediators when appropriate. He described training investments in de‑escalation, crisis intervention and community policing and stressed that remaining engaged and visible helps build trust, which in turn enables officers to assist vulnerable residents.

Council members asked whether the department could publish a community‑facing statement summarizing these reassurances. Hernandez said he would discuss posting language with the mayor and staff and that the department would aim to be transparent and forward facing. He also described operational expectations if federal agents were present in Milton—typically coordination ("deconfliction") with the local jurisdiction—and emphasized that local officers should be available to reduce the risk of harm to residents.

Hernandez noted the department has interagency mutual‑aid arrangements and gave examples of past cooperation in major investigations; he also stressed that bad actors in any agency can damage public trust and that sustained community relationships matter for public safety.

Councilors thanked the chief and urged staff to make the department’s position publicly available to ease community concerns.

No changes to local enforcement policy or new ordinances were proposed at the meeting.