Mesa Police Department Statement - Concerns Over Federal Agency Presence

Mesa Police Department Statement - Concerns Over Federal Agency Presence

The Mesa Police Department is committed to working in partnership with our community to promote public safety, protect individual rights, and build trust through professionalism, transparency, and respect. A safe and resilient community is achieved when law enforcement and the people we serve work together.

As community concerns increase regarding the presence of outside agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. military personnel - our goal is to clearly communicate the role of Mesa police officers and the scope of our operations.

What to Expect from Mesa PD Officers

• Mesa PD officers always identify themselves in the course of their duties.
• Officers responding to calls for service or conducting enforcement do not wear full-face coverings.
• Officers' uniforms or attire display visible Mesa Police Department identifiers, such as department-issued badges or markings, appropriate to their assignment.
• Mesa PD officers do not participate in immigration-related enforcement operations within our community, including at businesses, on streets, or in neighborhoods.

If you encounter someone claiming to be a Mesa PD officer who refuses to identify themselves or does not have visible department markings, and you wish to confirm their identity:

• Call 911 immediately if the situation is occurring at that moment.
• For non-emergency concerns, contact the Mesa Police Department non-emergency line at 480-644-2211.

How Mesa PD Operates

Mesa PD officers do not enforce federal immigration laws. Our responsibility is to uphold Arizona state and local laws and protect public safety. While Mesa PD has a jail-enforcement model agreement with ICE, any contact with ICE occurs only after an individual has been arrested for a violation of Arizona state law. Mesa Police Transparency - Immigration Facts

Mesa PD cannot interrupt or interfere with federal law enforcement operations, as doing so would be a violation of federal law.
We do collaborate with federal partners on serious criminal investigations - to include violent crime, trafficking and the exploitation of children and vulnerable people. These partnerships are focused on public safety, conducted within clearly defined roles, and carried out with respect for constitutional rights.

Closing
The Mesa Police Department supports the right of individuals to peacefully and lawfully express their views. At the same time, we will not tolerate criminal behavior, violence, or actions that place people or property at risk. Our focus remains on safeguarding our community, protecting constitutional rights, and maintaining public trust through lawful, professional policing.