Both Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter and Summit County Sheriff Justin Martinez released statements Saturday about the four people arrested Friday morning in Park City by immigration enforcement officers. The statements are below:
From Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter:
"(Friday) at 5:00AM, the Park City Police Department was informed by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, that targeted enforcement operations were being conducted within Park City. The operations resulted in the apprehension of four (4) individuals wanted on felony counts or unspecified other offenses. The ERO has assured me that these types of activities are not uncommon, nor sweeps nor raids, and are part of their normal enforcement operations. There are no other confirmed reports of targeted enforcement operations in Park City.
Given the timing and heightened anxiety regarding Federal immigration policy, it is both understandable and unfortunate that a considerable amount of community fear and confusion was created. In Park City, the role of local law enforcement is to enforce the rule of law and ensure that the civil rights and health, safety and welfare of all individuals are protected. Our enforcement priorities are set locally by our Mayor and City Council, and are defined by the compassionate principles of our community – community policing; to prevent and apprehend criminal violent and domestic offenders; drug and human traffickers; and those with prior felony convictions or who directly threaten the safety of others.
I have confirmed with our Mayor, City Council, the Utah Attorney General’s Office, and Federal law enforcement that these principles have not changed. Further, we must remember that individuals in the United States and Park City, regardless of immigration status, have rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws that we respect and uphold.
If anyone in the greater Park City community has lingering questions regarding yesterday’s targeted actions by the ERO, I encourage you to contact the ERO Salt Lake City Field Office at 801-886-7400 or SaltLakeCity.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov. In addition, I can also be reached at the Park City Police Department by calling 435-615-5500.
I realize that this is a trying and uncertain time for many individuals within our inclusive and vibrant community. But we must remind ourselves to proceed with caution and sensitivity in terms of how we share and handle information."
From Summit County Sheriff Justin Martinez:
"On Friday, February 17, 2017 Summit County Sheriff’s Office was notified by Park City Police Department that targeted operations were being conducted in Park City by the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The operations resulted in the apprehension of four individuals wanted on felony counts or unspecified other offenses. The ERO has stated these types of activities are not uncommon, and not considered a sweep or raid, but rather are part of their normal enforcement operations. There are no other confirmed reports of targeted enforcement operations within Park City or Summit County at large.
With the current political climate regarding Federal immigration policy lending itself to heightened fears, we have witnessed many citizens experience anxiety and confusion as a result of recent rhetoric. Both I and the Summit County Council greatly value a diverse citizenry that bring multiple cultures, ideas, and perspectives towards making Summit County the vibrant and healthy County we all call our home. We strongly encourage all residents to extend kindness and sensitivity to all individuals during this time of heightened awareness and uncertainty.
From a law enforcement perspective, it is important to know that my role as the County Sheriff is to ensure the safety and well-being of all County residents. Under current laws and the U.S. Constitution, all individuals in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have rights that I have been sworn to uphold.
If anyone has questions regarding Friday’s targeted actions by the ERO, please contact the ERO Salt Lake City Field Office at 801-886-7400 or SaltLakeCity.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov."
