Overview

• Rochester police officers assisted Border Patrol during a traffic stop on March 24, prompting criticism from city officials for violating sanctuary city policies.
• Mayor Malik Evans and Police Chief David Smith emphasized that city policy prohibits local police from participating in federal immigration enforcement.
• The police union defended the officers, stating they responded to an emergency call and acted within standard procedures without inquiring about immigration status.
• The incident has reignited tensions over federal-local law enforcement dynamics in sanctuary cities, with differing views on policy adherence and officer accountability.
• Mayor Evans has directed Chief Smith to remind all officers of the city's sanctuary city policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.