EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The police chief in Anthony, New Mexico, strongly denied what she called “false allegations” that her department is cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and working with them on federal immigration enforcement.
Anthony, N.M. Police Chief Vanessa Ordonez issued a statement saying that it is “categorically false and damaging to the trust between our department and the community we proudly serve.”
“The Anthony (N.M.) Police Department does not participate in ICE raids, does not go door-to-door on behalf of ICE and does not enforce federal immigration law,” Ordonez wrote.
Instead, her agency works to address local crime and protect the people living in Anthony, she said.
“Our mission is focused on protecting the people of Anthony, addressing local crime, and working in partnership with our residents to build a safe and welcoming community regardless of immigration status,” Ordonez said.
Ordonez also said the men and women in her department “serve with professionalism.”
“To misrepresent their work dishonors their service and undermines the confidence our community has placed in us. The community, local police and leaders must have a united front and work cohesively for public safety,” she wrote.
Ordonez said that federal agencies like ICE operate independently and “do not coordinate their activities with the Anthony Police Department to enforce immigration.”
“We will only respond in cases of serious criminal activity or threats to police officers. We understand these are challenging times and recognize that misinformation can cause fear and confusion,” she added.
Here is the entire statement from Police Chief Vanessa Ordonez:
“As Chief of Police, I must respond directly to the recent comments made at last week’s Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee. We are aware of recent allegations suggesting our agency collaborates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in conducting immigration enforcement activities. The statements made are categorically false, and damaging to the trust between our department and the community we proudly serve.
“The Anthony Police Department does not participate in ICE raids, does not go door-to-door on behalf of ICE, and does not enforce federal civil immigration law. Our mission is focused on protecting the people of Anthony, addressing local crime, and working in partnership with our residents to build a safe and welcoming community regardless of immigration status. The men and women of this department serve with professionalism. To misrepresent their work dishonors their service and undermines the confidence our community has placed in us.
“The community, local police and leaders must have a united front and work cohesively for public safety. It’s a fundamental principle of effective policing and community safety. Federal agencies, including ICE, operate independently and do not coordinate their activities with the Anthony Police Department to enforce immigration. We will only respond in cases of serious criminal activity or threats to police officers. We understand these are challenging times and recognize that misinformation can cause fear and confusion.
“By addressing these concerns directly, the Anthony Police Department reaffirms its commitment to transparency, trust, and fairness. We will not be distracted from our mission. Community members and local leaders with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the department directly. We are open to any line of communication surrounding this issue and have resources readily available.”
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