Rochester Leaders Criticize Police for Assisting Border Patrol in Traffic Stop

Mayor Malik Evans and Police Chief David Smith reaffirm sanctuary city policies, while the police union defends officers' actions as appropriate emergency response.

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.