GLENDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Policing and Immigration:
A Guide to GPD’s Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Glendale Police Department
Community Policing and Immigration
Glendale Police Department and Federal Immigration Enforcement
The purpose of this report is to answer frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Glendale Police Department’s roles, responsibilities, and restrictions regarding immigration enforcement in Glendale.
Glendale Police Department
The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is a municipal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing state and local criminal laws within the City of Glendale. The Department’s sworn personnel and professional staff are dedicated to safeguarding the City’s residents, visitors, and workforce through community policing, problem-solving partnerships, and a commitment to transparency and constitutional policing.
GPD is not responsible for enforcing federal civil immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government. While GPD officers may arrest individuals wanted for criminal violations of federal law, including criminal immigration offenses, the Department does not engage in immigration actions unrelated to criminal investigations.
Federal Immigration Authorities
Federal agencies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) administer and enforce federal civil and criminal immigration laws. These agencies are responsible for evaluating immigration status, investigating immigration-related crimes, and initiating removal proceedings.
Laws and Policies
GPD’s role in immigration matters is guided by federal, state, and local laws, including the California Values Act (SB 54). The majority of SB 54’s requirements have long aligned with GPD’s practices: focusing on public safety, building trust, and ensuring residents feel safe reporting crime regardless of immigration status.
California Values Act (SB 54)
California Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), also known as the California Values Act, was passed in 2017 and enacted Government Code Sections 7284 through 7284.12. These laws guide how local law enforcement, including GPD, may interact with federal immigration authorities. GPD Policy 415 ensures full compliance with SB 54, TRUTH Act requirements, and reporting obligations.
Glendale Police Department
Community Policing and Immigration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are designed to provide useful information regarding GPD’s role in immigration enforcement based on existing Department policies and practices, and federal, state and local laws.
Does GPD arrest people for civil immigration violations?
No. Officers may not detain or arrest anyone for a civil immigration violation or based on civil immigration warrants.
Can an officer stop someone to check their immigration status?
No. Officers may not stop, detain, or question anyone solely to investigate immigration status. Immigration inquiries are prohibited except when required by law or for victim-assistance programs (e.g., U and T Visas).
The U Visa and T Visa are federal immigration programs created to help victims of certain crimes who have suffered harm and who assist law enforcement. These visas are designed to protect vulnerable victims, encourage crime reporting, and support police investigations.
Local police do not issue them; they are granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Are there criminal immigration laws that GPD may encounter?
Yes. While most immigration matters are civil, some violations, such as Improper Entry (8 USC §1325) or Illegal ReEntry (8 USC §1326), are federal crimes investigated and prosecuted by federal authorities.
Can GPD arrest someone with a criminal immigration warrant?
Yes. As with all criminal warrants, a judicial warrant issued by a federal judge or magistrate for a criminal immigration violation must be honored. GPD will arrest and transfer the person to federal custody.
Can GPD make a warrantless arrest for Improper Entry (8 USC §1325)?
No. Officers may not detain or arrest individuals for 8 USC §1325 or any other criminal immigration offense aside from 8 USC §1326(a) as defined in GPD Policy 415.
Glendale Police Department
Community Policing and Immigration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can GPD temporarily detain someone suspected of illegal re-entry (8 USC §1326)?
Yes, but only under limited, legally defined circumstances. If an individual is already lawfully detained and there is reasonable suspicion that they violated 8 USC §1326(a) with an aggravated felony enhancement, officers may briefly detain them to verify their status with federal authorities. No person may be held past their release time due to unresolved immigration questions.
Does GPD interview arrestees about their immigration status?
No. Officers are prohibited from interviewing or investigating individuals for immigration enforcement purposes (Government Code §7284.6 & GPD Policy 415).
Does GPD ask for the place of birth?
Generally, no. Birthplace may be requested only when required for a criminal investigation, consular notification, or during lawful booking procedures.
Does GPD notify ICE when someone is arrested?
No. GPD does not notify ICE about civil immigration matters. However, when fingerprints are taken during the booking process, ICE may access the information independently through federal databases.
Does GPD notify ICE when there is a criminal immigration warrant?
Yes. Only when a valid federal criminal warrant exists, notification and transfer to federal authorities are permitted.
Does GPD honor ICE “detainer” requests?
No. Senate Bill 54 and federal court rulings prohibit local law enforcement from holding individuals solely on ICE detainers, which are not judicial warrants. GPD does not detain anyone based on an ICE detainer alone. Notification to federal authorities may occur only when the specific conditions listed in Government Code §7282.5 are met.
Glendale Police Department
Community Policing and Immigration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will GPD hold someone longer if ICE sends an administrative “warrant”?
No. Administrative warrants are not judicial warrants issued by judges and may not be used to hold someone longer in custody.
Does ICE interview people in GPD jail facilities?
Only with voluntary, written consent using TRUTH Act consent forms. Without signed consent, interviews are not permitted (GPD Policy 415).
Does GPD maintain immigration-related records?
Only when required by law or necessary for U or T visa certifications or related investigations.
Does GPD transfer individuals to ICE for civil immigration reasons?
No. Transfers are only permitted under the limited conditions listed in Government Code §7282.5 and GPD Policy 415.
Does GPD participate in ICE civil immigration operations?
No. Assistance is not provided for civil immigration enforcement except during emergencies or when criminal activity is involved (California Values Act – Government Code §7284.2 & GPD Policy 415).
Does GPD participate in criminal investigations with ICE unrelated to immigration?
Yes, only when criminal investigations involve crimes such as human trafficking, narcotics, child exploitation, or fraud, and are unrelated to immigration enforcement.
Glendale Police Department
Community Policing and Immigration
Resources
The Glendale Police Department is dedicated to keeping our community safe while building trust through transparency, fairness, and respect for the law. We are committed to preventing crime, protecting the rights and dignity of everyone, and providing equal service to all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. Our officers focus on community policing, problem-solving partnerships, and open communication to ensure that Glendale remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive city for everyone.
As part of the Department’s and City’s continued commitment to empowering and educating the community, the City of Glendale has compiled information and lists of local resources to help residents access immigration-related support, legal assistance, social services, and community aid. These resources include contact information for organizations that provide legal consultations, citizenship help, and other support services to residents seeking information or assistance. The City and Department strive to ensure that these resources are readily available and that residents know where to look for help and accurate information when questions arise.
For information and resources, please visit ICE in Glendale, CA: What’s Happening In My Community?