KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Police Department has launched an internal investigation after an officer brought an immigration detainee directly to a U.S. Customs and Enforcement office in violation of department policies.
KPD officers are not legally authorized to enforce federal immigration laws. A police spokesperson said that no disciplinary action has been taken as of Wednesday.
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When officers encounter someone sought by immigration authorities during the course of regular police work, department policy states that they should wait for immigration authorities to arrive at the scene to assume custody of the individual.
Under department guidelines, officers should not communicate directly with immigration officials. National Crime Information Center (NCIC) operators are tasked with handling all communications between ICE and KPD officers. These operators are civilian employees of the department rather than sworn officers…