LETTER: Strengthen county, city ICE policies

Posted

In the March 18, 2017 Leader, Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Stanko recently clarified his office’s policies dealing with immigration status in the questioning, arrest and holding of offenders.

We applaud his efforts to do so, but wish to raise serious questions about several policies, especially those dealing with cooperation with federal authorities,

Stanko referred to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Policy Manual, saying, “I think 412.4 is the section that’s pertinent here.” That section stipulates that “if a deputy suspects that a victim or witness is an undocumented immigrant, the deputy need not report the person to ICE unless circumstances indicate such reporting is reasonably necessary.” We find that the language “need not report” leaves too much discretion. Similarly, the phrase “reasonably necessary” is far too vague, covering a broad range of activities.

In light of recent disturbing events at the national level as well as the stated intentions of both the Jefferson County proclamation and the City of Port Townsend December resolution to respect and protect all of their citizens, we feel that the above language should be changed to: “Whether or not a deputy suspects that a victim or witness is an undocumented immigrant, the deputy shall not report the person to Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless a warrant, signed by a judge, has been issued for the arrest of such person charged with committing a federal felony offense.” Such a warrant would permit federal intervention in cases involving serious criminals.

The manual, explained Stanko, is based on guidelines published by Lexipol, a private company that provides legal guidance to law enforcement agencies. Each locality can adapt its guidelines to suit local wishes. We urge Sheriff Stanko to follow the lead of other counties that have chosen to use much stronger guidelines in dealing with ICE. Doing so will bring consistency between the City of Port Townsend police policies and those of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, which is now sorely lacking.

JIM BUCKLEY

KATE FRANCO

LIBBY PALMER

Port Townsend