Saratoga Springs PD: 1 arrested in ICE operation
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- One person was arrested in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, the Saratoga Springs Police Department announced in a Facebook post. The incident reportedly took place outside Uncommon Grounds on Broadway near Gardner Lane, authorities said.
At 6:15 a.m., the Saratoga Springs PD received notification from ICE that they were surveilling a specific location in the city, the department said. The ICE representative reportedly did not request assistance from the police department.
At 7:57 a.m., ICE contacted Saratoga Springs police again and said they arrested an individual and were leaving the city, officials reported. Saratoga Springs PD stated that no members of their force were present or involved in the arrest.
In the Facebook post, which was signed by Police Chief Tyler McIntosh, the department emphasized its commitment to serving and upholding the constitutional rights of all individuals in Saratoga Springs, regardless of immigration status. The department also stressed that immigration violations are not one of their priorities, and that reporting a crime or cooperating with a Saratoga Springs PD investigation will not automatically lead to an immigration status inquiry.
"SSPD members are not trained to enforce immigration laws under the federal program referred to as 287(g) certification nor do we plan to train our officers through this program," Chief McIntosh said in the post. "I recognize that immigration enforcement is a deeply complex and often sensitive topic that affects individuals, families, and communities in profound ways across the country. Our approach in SSPD is rooted in a commitment to equal enforcement of the law and serving and protecting all individuals in the City of Saratoga Springs with the utmost honor, integrity, and respect."
However, the post also explained that, if a federal law enforcement agency asked for assistance from Saratoga Springs PD, the department would comply.
"Should a federal law enforcement agency request assistance from SSPD, we will provide assistance consistent with our policies and procedures, as we would for any other law enforcement organization needing assistance within the city," the post read. "Probable examples are assisting an agency with traffic control and officer safety concerns."
NEWS10 reached out to ICE for more information on the reported operation. The agency declined to confirm or discuss the activities:
Due to operational security reasons and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss ongoing or future operations. The agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate. As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality.
Chrissy Cuttita, ICE public affairs officer
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