On Monday night, the City of Hastings released a statement regarding the presence of ICE in the Twin Cities and Hastings. There have been some confirmed sightings of ICE in Hastings, and even
some unconfirmed as recently as Monday, and the City put out its statement to clear up confusion. The statement reads as follows:
“Recent federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities and in Hastings has created fear and uncertainty for many residents. The City of Hastings wants to provide clear information, reaffirm our values, and explain the role of the City and the Hastings Police Department.
Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government. The City of Hastings and the Hastings Police Department do not participate in or assist with federal immigration enforcement. Hastings police do not enforce immigration laws, ask about immigration status, or participate in immigration investigations with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, or other federal immigration agencies.
If Hastings officers are present during federal actions, it is only to address public safety concerns, such as crowd management or emergency response. In those situations, officers focus on de-escalation and protecting people and property, while complying with the law and not interfering with federal enforcement.
The Hastings Police Department’s role is to protect public safety and build trust with the community. Everyone in Hastings-regardless of immigration status—should feel safe calling 911, reporting crimes, seeking help or cooperating as a witness or victim. Officers do not stop, question, detain or conduct checks based on immigration status.”