Town Clarifies Policing Position In Light Of Mass Deportation Order

SOUTHOLD, NY — Southold officials have issued a new statement to clarify their stance on the town's policing policy in light of President Donald Trump's executive order regarding a plan for mass deportation of immigrants.

"In view of the community's concern surrounding the federal immigration policy, the town wants to send a clear message on the town's role," a release read. "Immigration policies and enforcement remain a federal matter, handled by the appropriate federal agencies, not the Southold Police Department."

The statement continued: "In fact, neither immigration enforcement nor deportation proceedings are legally permissible functions of the police department, unless there are criminal charges pending."

And, the statement said: "As has always been the case, in the event the Southold Police Department is asked by a federal agency to provide support and assistance in their efforts, such as peace keeping or traffic control, they will do so, as the town's historic policy on coordinating with law enforcement has not changed. In support of public safety of our residents and visitors, we will support all law enforcement efforts to remove criminals from our community. The Town of Southold and the Southold Police Department will not obstruct the federal government's efforts to enforce federal law."

The message followed a previous statement put out by Southold Town earlier in the week.

That message read: "Recent activities of the Federal Agency of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, have made it important to reaffirm the Town of Southold's long-standing policy on such activities," Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski and the town board said in the statement. "The town will not assist ICE or any other federal agency in the enforcement of federal laws. The town's police department will focus on maintaining public safety and will continue to treat all residents with respect, regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, or any other matter which may define us."

Councilman Greg Doroski told Patch, earlier this week: "With so much uncertainty related to the impact of the recent executive orders, as police commissioners, the Southold town board felt it was necessary to clarify our long-standing policy. Riverhead Town felt the same."

On Thursday, Doroski added: "Our long-standing Southold Town policy has not changed, nor has our commitment to keeping our community safe. Our federal representatives need to cut the BS and fix the immigration system with legislation and resources. Executive orders foster fear and confusion."

A community informational session, aimed at providing "important and timely" information and education to residents on Southold Town policing policy, will be held on Thursday, January 30 from 6 p.m .to 8 p.m. at the Southold Town Recreation center, located at 970 Peconic Lane in Peconic.

Southold Town Police Chief Steve Grattan, along with representatives of the Southold Town Anti-Bias task Force and the Police Advisory Committee, will participate in the discussion and "be responsive to the issues of greatest concern to residents," town officials said.