Overview

• 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.