Officers from the Rochester Police Department (RPD) helped ICE agents on Monday by responding to a backup call and reportedly handcuffing individuals at the scene. This has sparked criticism from Democratic Mayor Malik Evans and Police Chief David Smith, leading to an internal investigation.
Mayor Evans emphasized the city’s sanctuary policy, stating that local police should not participate in federal immigration enforcement. Chief Smith raised concerns about the lack of urgency from Border Patrol officers and clarified that RPD officers were not authorized to detain or frisk individuals.
Homan, however, stood by the officers, asserting that law enforcement should never refuse help due to politics. He vowed to support the Rochester officers, emphasizing that sanctuary policies put both police and the public at risk.
