Amid a climate of national conversation about the interplay between local law enforcement and federal immigration policies, the Commerce City Police Department (CCPD) has recently clarified its stance on immigration enforcement, directly addressing the community's concerns. In a detailed FAQ published on its official website, CCPD sought to reaffirm its commitment to public safety, stating that when it comes to apprehending those who pose a threat, "Immigration status is a moot point if you are doing harm here, we will hold you accountable here," as obtained by the City of Commerce City.
The same source detailed Colorado's legal framework, which includes C.R.S. 24-76.6-102(2) that prohibits Colorado law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based solely on a civil immigration detainer request, even in scenarios where ICE intervenes, a notable policy in the state's commitment to separating local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement roles. The CCPD doubles down on this stance through policy particulars, including an outlined approach that ensures victims and witnesses of crimes feel secure contacting law enforcement without fearing automatic immigration inquiry or deportation.
Contrary to what some may presume about local police departments' complicity in immigration control, CCPD does not automatically contact ICE when a foreign national is encountered, shifting this responsibility instead to the county jails, a delineation that highlights the distinction between municipal police and federal immigration authorities. As part of CCPD's policy, as detailed by the City of Commerce City, officers are instructed not to detain individuals for civil violations of federal immigration laws nor are they to continue detaining someone solely to await ICE notification once they are otherwise cleared to be released.
