ICE Deportations: Fremont Clarifies Policy On Undocumented Immigrants

FREMONT, CA — As deportation of undocumented people continues to be a focus of the new administration of President Donald Trump, the City of Fremont said Friday that it was not aware of any enforcement activities occurring within Fremont.

The City laid out its position in a written statement, "The City of Fremont’s long-standing immigration policy follows current State law. To the extent federal law enforcement officers carry out immigration enforcement, City funds and resources cannot be used in support of these efforts. Nor shall City employees obstruct or hinder federal officials’ enforcement actions. The City of Fremont recognizes the complexity of this issue and the impacts on those it may affect. We remain focused on the safety and well-being of our local community."

The Fremont Police Department has a written policy on Immigration Violations. The 11-page policy lays out the circumstances in which officers may arrest or detain immigrants.

Multiple bills have been introduced in the California State Legislature aimed at shielding families from immigration enforcement.

On Wednesday, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, giving federal authorities broader power to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally who have been accused of crimes. He also announced at the ceremony that his administration planned to send the “worst criminal aliens” to a detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The bipartisan act, the first piece of legislation approved during Trump’s second term, was named for Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was slain last year by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally.

“She was a light of warmth and kindness,” Trump said during a ceremony that included Riley’s parents and sister. “It’s a tremendous tribute to your daughter what’s taking place today, that’s all I can say. It’s so sad we have to be doing it.”

Trump has promised to drastically increase deportations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Editor's note: This story originally quoted the City's statement as, "To the extent federal law enforcement officers carry out immigration enforcement, City funds and resources cannot not be used in support of these efforts."
While the statement was verbatim from the City, on Feb. 3, "not" was removed from the statement.