The following statement by Takoma Park Police Chief Antonio DeVaul addresses recent concerns raised by law enforcement leaders regarding federal immigration enforcement activities and clarifies the standards expected of all law enforcement agencies operating in Takoma Park.
The statement, seen in its entirety below, outlines the legal framework, professional obligations, and guiding principles that govern policing in the city, with an emphasis on constitutional compliance, public safety, and accountability:
“Many law enforcement officials have voiced concerns about the tactics federal immigration enforcement officers are using. The International Association Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), organizations to which I belong, have called for a review of the tactics used by federal law enforcement. I share these concerns and want to reaffirm the rule of law and what we expect from federal law enforcement officers conducting activities in Takoma Park…