Sacramento City Manager Issues Directive Against ICE Assistance by Police

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a recent directive, Sacramento City Manager Maraskeshia Smith has instructed the Sacramento Police Department to refrain from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, except in cases where a credible public safety threat is identified.

This decision comes after an incident in South Sacramento where officers detained individuals for reckless driving while they were reportedly observing ICE operations. Local immigration advocacy group NorCal Resist claimed that the detained individuals were merely documenting ICE activity and stated their intention to seek accountability regarding the involvement of the police with federal agents. Smith’s letter to Interim Police Chief Zachary Bales outlined that police resources should not be utilized for ICE operations unless clear threats to public safety are established.