(Crawford & Buena Vista Counties) –  With immigration and deportation being discussed; the Chiefs of Police in Storm Lake and Denison shared messages in both English and Spanish on social media, with their community’s residents, Friday. Storm Lake Police Chief Chris Cole released video messages, Friday. In his videos, Chief Cole said in-part, “Our officers do not and will not stop individuals solely to inquire about their immigration status….While we prioritize public safety and fostering trust, we will continue, as we always have, to cooperate with our federal partners in cases involving wanted or violent individuals with valid criminal arrest warrants.”

“The Storm Lake Police Department,” he said, “will continue our mission of focusing on protecting and serving all members of our community, without bias or undo involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Our officers are not trained to enforce federal immigration laws, nor is it our responsibility to do so.”

Storm Lake Police Chief Chris Cole (Screenshot of his video message on Facebook)

Denison Police Chief Tony Trejo said in written statements posted to social media, “At this time, there is no enforcement changes at the Denison Police Department pertaining to immigration status of individuals. To date, the Denison Police Department has not been requested by our federal law enforcement partners to assist with any investigation enforcement efforts.” Chief Trejo says if such a request does come, that cooperation could consist of information sharing, logistics, scene security and coordination with local resources in and around Denison.

“If requested, the Denison Police Department will cooperate with our federal law enforcement partners on their immigration enforcement efforts as permitted under Iowa law,” said Chief Trejo. Additionally, the police say they will not initiate any state-level immigration enforcement while Iowa’s immigration enforcement law is still under review by the courts.

“As with all of our enforcement efforts, the Denison Police Department will ensure that constitutional and civil rights are protected.” Chief Trejo said, “Our citizens will be treated with dignity and respect.”

Statement on Facebook from Denison Police Chief Tony Trejo