New Hampton Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl is looking to be proactive to allay deportation fears among the City’s diverse population, in light of current national policy discussions on immigration.
Rosendahl says he understands the fear, uncertainty, and anxiety that these developments have created for some New Hampton residents, specifically those of Mexican heritage.
Unfortunately, Rosendahl says it’s been that way for Hispanic people for a long time.
Rosendahl says NHPD’s “mission is, and always has been, centered on public safety and building trust within our community. Our officers do not and will not stop individuals to inquire about immigration status, nor do we have access to systems that allow us to verify someone’s legal status.”
Rosendahl also notes that New Hampton Police officers are not trained to enforce federal immigration laws nor is it their responsibility to do so.
He says all New Hampton residents deserve to know that the NHPD is here to uphold their safety and rights, regardless of their immigration status.
**A prepared statement on the issue by Rosendahl can be read below.
CITY OF NEW HAMPTON
Police Department
22 S Locust Ave. New Hampton, IA 50659
Communications: (641) 394-3241 — Administrative: (641) 394-3603 — Fax: (641) 394-2047
Conrad L. Rosendahl, Chief
The following statement, from New Hampton Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl, addresses current discussions on immigration policy:
As your Chief of Police, I am fully aware of the current federal statements and actions regarding immigration enforcement and mass deportations. I also understand the fear, uncertainty, and anxiety that these developments have created for some of our residents.
I want you to know that the New Hampton Police Department’s mission is, and always has been, centered on public safety and building trust within our community. Our officers do not and will not stop individuals to inquire about immigration status, nor do we have access to systems that allow us to verify someone’s legal status.
We are committed to ensuring that every resident feels safe and supported when interacting with our department. This trust is critical to our ability to effectively serve the community. Residents who fear their immigration status may be questioned by local police are less likely to report crimes as victims or witnesses, which creates an environment where criminals are emboldened to continue victimizing people without accountability. This undermines the safety of everyone in our community.
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 New Hampton Police Department will continue our mission of focusing on protecting and serving all members of our community without bias or undue involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Our officers are not trained to enforce federal immigration laws, nor is it our responsibility to do so. Our residents deserve to know that we are here to uphold their safety and rights, regardless of their immigration status.
Chief Conrad Rosendahl,
New Hampton Police Department
