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Police chief tells board Shelter Island officers do not enforce civil immigration law
Summary
Chief Reid told the Town Board that the local police department focuses on criminal enforcement, not civil immigration enforcement, and warned codifying policies into local law could add reporting burdens without changing operations.
Chief Reid briefed the board on current department policies and practices related to immigration enforcement and technology. He said the department adheres to New York state law, maintains policies on fair and impartial policing and license-plate-reader use, and does not enforce civil immigration law — a responsibility that lies with federal agencies.
"We do not enforce civil immigration law," Chief Reid said, and he cautioned that some elements of the proposed local law are already covered by department policy and existing oversight (the town board serves as police commission). He suggested improved communication and a focused task force as ways to address community concerns without adding burdensome legal obligations.
