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Immigration Information
Federal Immigration Enforcement and Local Law Enforcement
The Westminster Police Department (WPD) strives to create a community where safety, trust and collaboration thrive. It is our duty to protect and serve every person who lives, works or visits the City of Westminster.
We know our community may be looking for more information on the role of local law enforcement in Colorado regarding immigration laws. It is not our role to enforce federal immigration laws. If anyone, regardless of where they are from, violates local or state criminal laws, WPD will take appropriate action and arrests may be made. WPD does not makes arrests based on immigration status.
Anyone, regardless of immigration status, can call 911 for help.
No, WPD officers do not have the legal authority to enforce civil immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of federal agencies, not local police.
No, WPD officers cannot arrest or detain people based on their immigration status. We do not have the legal authority to enforce civil immigration laws. Officers can arrest someone if they violate local or state criminal laws.
No, Colorado law prohibits law enforcement, or any other state agency employee, from sharing personal identifying information with federal agents for the purpose of investigating, participating in, cooperating with, or assisting in civil immigration enforcement.
No, WPD patrol and traffic officers do not ask person(s) about their immigration status or to see immigration papers.
No, WPD patrol and traffic officers wear a uniform or have clear WPD markings visible when on patrol.
No, federal law (18 U.S.C § 1501) prohibits WPD officers from obstructing or interfering with the work of federal agents while they are performing their official duties. WPD officers can respond to a scene with activated body-worn cameras and document what is taking place.
- Will Westminster Police Department officers work with U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
Colorado Revised Statute § 24-76.6-102 allows for local law enforcement agencies to help federal authorities in situations where there are federal warrants signed by a federal judge or magistrate, but an immigration detainer is not a warrant. This means WPD officers can assist federal agents executing a warrant related to criminal activity, but WPD officers cannot assist with immigration detainers.
- Officers will respond to calls for service
- When responding to a call for service, officers will have their body-worn cameras on to document what occurs
- Officers will educate and enforce the laws
- Officers will wear a uniform or have clear WPD markings visible when on patrol
- Officers will act with compassion, honor, integrity, professionalism, and service
The Westminster Police Department’s mission is the enforcement and education of laws and the apprehension of those who seek to disrupt the quality of life within our community. We value our partnership with our community and the importance of transparency and information sharing.
If you need immediate help, witness a crime/suspicious activity, or feel unsafe, please call 911. Please report non-emergent situations by calling our non-emergency line at (303) 658-4360.
Additional immigration resources can be found on the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition website.