Mission’s Response to Concerns Related to Immigration Enforcement Activities Around the Country

January 29, 2026

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Dear Mission Residents, Businesses and Visitors,

As your Chief of Police, I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to our community, especially to those who may be feeling anxious or unsettled by recent news about immigration enforcement activities in other parts of the country.

First and foremost, the Mission Police Department exists to keep our community safe. Our officers’ focus, today and every day, is local public safety: responding to emergencies, preventing crime, enforcing the laws and ordinances for which we are charged with, and building trust with the people we serve. We do not conduct immigration enforcement, and checking immigration status is not part of our policing responsibilities.

I understand that uncertainty can create fear. Please know that if you live in Mission, work in Mission, or are visiting Mission, you should feel safe calling the police for help. If you are a victim of a crime, a witness, or in need of assistance, our officers are here for you without hesitation and without judgment. Our community is safest when everyone participates in civic life and trusts that our police officers will do the right thing regardless of someone’s race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, military status, or immigration status.

Like all law enforcement agencies, we comply with applicable state and federal laws and court orders and respect the roles of other agencies. At the same time, our commitment remains clear: we will continue to serve this community by following our core values of respect, integrity, and professionalism, and it is counterproductive to our community if fear is allowed to stand in the way of public safety.

Our Department is prohibited from interfering with the enforcement of federal immigration laws. If immigration enforcement activities were to occur in Mission, the role of the Mission Police Department would be limited to maintaining public safety, such as peacekeeping or traffic control, if circumstances warrant. Our officers would not join in planning, arrests, transport, or follow-up to any federal immigration activities. If a situation involves a separate local crime, the Mission Police Department will handle only the local offense.

Federal immigration authorities are not required to notify the Mission Police Department when operating within city limits. Any information shared with the Department or the City would be provided on a courtesy basis only.

Trust is essential to effective policing. My promise to you is that the Mission Police Department will continue to communicate openly, act transparently, and put the safety and dignity of our residents first.

We are proud to serve a diverse and resilient community, and we will continue to do so with care, compassion, and integrity.