Rochester Police Criticized for Assisting Border Patrol in Apparent Violation of Sanctuary City Policy
Mayor and police chief reaffirm commitment to sanctuary city rules, while union defends officers' actions during traffic stop involving federal agents.
- Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Police Chief David Smith publicly criticized officers for aiding Border Patrol during a March 24 traffic stop, citing a violation of sanctuary city policies.
- The officers reportedly directed van occupants to exit the vehicle and placed them in handcuffs, which the mayor and chief stated is prohibited under city policy.
- The police union defended the officers, arguing they acted appropriately in responding to a federal request for assistance and did not inquire about immigration status or use force.
- City leaders announced plans for additional training to ensure compliance with sanctuary city policies, which were first adopted in 1986 and reaffirmed in 2017.
- The incident has reignited debates about the balance between local and federal law enforcement priorities, as well as concerns about racial profiling and immigrant protections.
Breitbart 
