Tacoma Police Department Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety and Adherence to RCW 10.93.160

The Tacoma Police Department (TPD) continues to prioritize public safety, fairness, and trust within the community while upholding state law and ensuring that every member of the community feels secure. In line with RCW 10.93.160, which governs the interaction between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, TPD reaffirms its commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status.

“At TPD, our mission is to create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit,” said Paul Junger, Deputy Chief of Police. “We remain dedicated to enforcing the law fairly and impartially, preserving peace, and safeguarding constitutional guarantees for everyone in Tacoma.”

Key Commitments:

1. Compliance with RCW 10.93.160:
   • No Immigration Enforcement: Local law enforcement, including TPD, does not enforce civil federal immigration laws. TPD does not inquire into an individual’s immigration status unless directly connected to a criminal investigation.
   • Schools as Safe Spaces: Officers acting in their official capacity will not inquire into or collect information about an individual’s immigration status nor provide such information to federal immigration authorities for civil enforcement.
   • Detention Guidelines: Individuals cannot be detained solely for the purpose of determining their immigration status, nor can they be held for a civil immigration warrant or hold request.
2. Working with the Community:
   • TPD’s role is to protect all members of the community, regardless of their immigration status. TPD is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe reporting crimes or concerns without fear of deportation or immigration-related actions.
   • TPD is not involved in immigration enforcement. We are here to serve and protect all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
3. No Agreements with ICE:
   • As per RCW 10.93.160, TPD and other local law enforcement agencies cannot enter into agreements that would grant federal civil immigration enforcement powers to state or local officers, including agreements under the 287(g) program.

TPD will continue to ensure that all community members feel valued, safe, and protected as we work together toward a more inclusive and secure Tacoma.