NMSU Police Chief addresses ‘immigration issue’ in letter to campus community

New Mexico State University’s police chief sent a letter to the campus community addressing questions people may have about the department’s policies, in relation to the “national debate” over immigration.

In the letter, Police Chief Stephen Lopez said the NMSU Police Department has cooperated extensively with federal agencies, and will continue to do so in order to protect students, staff and faculty. He said this cooperation includes investigations related to cybercrime, human trafficking, fraud, and even terrorism.

Lopez said its important to note the department has no intention for its officers to obtain authority to enforce immigration laws. Adding, officers will not “randomly walk down the street asking people about their immigration status.” There will be situations when officers may need to ask immigration related questions, Lopez said.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER.

“If somebody presents a foreign driver’s license when they’re stopped for a traffic violation. The officers will enquire how long they’ve been in the country, simply because they’ve only got 30 days since they come here as a student from another country to get a New Mexico driver’s license,” Lopez said.

Lopez said in this case, the driver would be given a citation if they were outside that 30 days. But the officer would not ask for proof of citizenship.

Lopez added another instance is if Victim Services personnel identify someone who has been a victim of a serious crime and may be eligible for a “U” visa. In this case, he says,they are allowed and encouraged to discuss with the victim whether or not this is something the victim might need. A “U” visa is a special type of visa specifically designated to facilitate victims of crimes coming forward and receiving support regardless of their immigration status.

Lopez said officers will ask for immigration status is if someone is arrested.

“If we arrest someone who has committed a crime during the course of the booking we will ask if they are a citizen of another country because the U.S. has treaties with 58 other nations where we will notify their consulate if someone from their nation has been arrested and charged with a crime,” he said. “That status will be noted in the booking records at the detention center. Then it’s up to the detention center and federal authorities to identify those people.”

Lopez added the relationship with federal authorities is important. Recently, NMSU President Garrey Carruthers said the campus would not declare itself a “sanctuary campus” because that could jeopardize the university receiving federal funding.

“The issues aren’t quite as simple as saying we’re sanctuary or we’re not sanctuary or we will or will not work with federal agencies and to really get people to understand the depth of some of these issues,” Lopez said.

Faculty with Stand with Our Students (SOS) have tentatively planned a Teach In on March 9th from 12-1:30 p.m., and representatives from the NMSU Police Department will be available to answer additional questions. There is no location of the event yet, but one will be provided soon.