Tukwila Police Chief Eric Drever reassured the city’s diverse community in a statement issued Thursday, Jan, 23, 2025, addressing concerns over recent federal changes to immigration policy and enforcement.

Chief Drever emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting and serving all residents, regardless of immigration status, while clarifying the department’s role in local law enforcement.

“Tukwila has always been a multicultural and welcoming community,” Drever stated. “We have families who have been here for multiple generations and those who have more recently settled here, and our community is richer and stronger for it.”

Chief Drever outlined the Tukwila Police Department’s policies regarding immigration, affirming that officers do not inquire about immigration status, enforce immigration-related laws, or participate in related enforcement actions.

He also noted that immigration enforcement falls under federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“When we take enforcement action for public safety, our only concern is the enforcement of the law,” Drever said. “Our officers are not trained in immigration-related law enforcement, nor does such enforcement fall within the authority granted to us by Washington State.”

The statement sought to alleviate anxiety among immigrants living, working, and visiting Tukwila while reinforcing the department’s focus on public safety for all residents. Community members with further questions are encouraged to contact the Tukwila Police Department directly.

Here’s Chief Drever’s full statement:

“A Message From The Chief,

“Tukwila has always been a multicultural and welcoming community. We have families who have been here multiple generations and those who have more recently settled here, and our community is richer and stronger for it. We are aware of anxiety and concerns in our community about the recent federal changes in immigration policy and enforcement. As our community’s Chief of Police, and on behalf of the Tukwila Police Department, we stand committed to protecting and serving all community members, including the many immigrants who choose to live, work, and visit here.

“While we continue to navigate these changes, it is important to affirm our roles and responsibilities:

  • “We do not ask about immigration status.
  • “We do not enforce immigration-related laws or otherwise participate in immigration-related enforcement.
  • “When we take enforcement action for public safety, our only concern is the enforcement of the law.
  • “When we take individuals into custody for criminal acts, we do not know their immigration status nor is it relevant to our investigations.
  • “Our officers do not have training in immigration-related law enforcement, nor does such enforcement fall within the authority granted to us by Washington State.

“Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are the enforcement branches of the government that handle all immigration-related offenses, be they civil or criminal.

“As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you should have any further questions.”