Bay City public safety briefing prompts heated debate over ICE detainers and resolutions

The Bay City Department of Public Safety delivered a wide-ranging presentation Feb. 16 on law-enforcement philosophy, community programs and policies related to immigration detainers, body-worn cameras, face coverings and translation services. The talk and subsequent public comment led to extended debate over three resolutions about ICE detainers, face coverings, and use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement.

Public Safety Director Rowell (identified in the meeting transcript by his title) outlined the department’s mission and emphasized accreditation standards, crisis-intervention training and outreach programs aimed at people with substance-use disorders. He described a quick-response team that follows nonfatal overdoses with a counselor and family support, and a “hope not handcuffs” initiative that allows people to walk into the department, accept help and — in some cases — have minor warrants deferred so they can enter treatment. Rowell said the department partners with Bay Area Behavioral Health for ride-alongs and other crisis…