Residents wait for the bus in South Tucson.
The South Tucson City Council and its police department will not participate in mass deportation efforts that may come under the incoming Trump administration.
"Immigration enforcement is not the role of local police," police chief Daniel Denogean said. "Our officers are focused on continuing to serve and protect all residents through lawful, effective police work."
The announcement comes after some city officials, including the attorney’s office and Denogean, expressed concerns over potential conflicts with state law if the city were to pass official policy on the issue. Last week, the council attempted to approve a resolution that would put into policy their anti-mass deportation stance and require South Tucson police to explain why they are conducting a traffic stop. Denogean recommended against the regulation, stating it would flood their radio, which is shared with the Tucson Police Department.
"We just can't pull over," he said. "For us to have to get on the radio and explain everything would irritate the people we're working within the city of Tucson and takes up too much radio time."
But, councilmember Brian Flagg urged the council to take a stance during the meeting.
“I think that we as a city of South Tucson need to make a public statement that lots of people in our community have a fear of the threatened deportation,” Flagg said. “We need to follow suit with other people, like the mayor of Tucson.”
Instead of a formal resolution, in a 6-1 vote, the city council approved a statement.
“We want every member of our community—regardless of immigration status—to know they are valued,” Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela said. “Leaders of the City of South Tucson are committed to safety, justice, and equality for all, and that’s why we are putting forward this unified message of reassurance.”
Councilmember Paul Diaz voted no to making a statement due to his “oath to the office.” He did not provide further reasoning.
South Tucson city officials also announced that they are in the process of determining a legal response to specific plans that may come from the new federal government.
“Until then, we are focused on not allowing fear to run rampant through our community,” Valenzuela said.
In a similar move on Wednesday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he will continue to treat all arrestees the same, regardless of immigration status.
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