This past Friday, the Bozeman Police Dept. and the City of Bozeman issued a statement about their policy on dealing with ICE. Bozeman Police Chief Jim Veltkamp joined Dave Wooten on the KSKY Morning Show to explain what that policy means and how it will be enforced.
Statement from the Bozeman Police Dept and the City of Bozeman:
The City of Bozeman and the Bozeman Police Department (BPD) are monitoring events taking place around the country related to federal immigration enforcement. We, like many of our residents, are concerned by how it could impact our community, trust in public safety, and the safety of our law enforcement professionals. During these tense times, we wanted to remind residents that we’re committed to keeping Bozeman safe and protecting the constitutional rights of every person who lives, works, and visits our city.
While BPD has worked with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for decades to address drug trafficking, child exploitation and other serious crimes, the BPD does not have a 287(g) agreement with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These agreements delegate state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight.
The BPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. We will not assist or participate in civil immigration enforcement, nor will BPD take extra steps to determine an individual’s immigration status. If federal agencies operate within Bozeman solely related to federal immigration enforcement, BPD will prioritize responding to ensure public safety. We cannot interfere with federal agencies lawfully performing their duties, but it is our duty to ensure public safety.
The public can expect BPD to continue to treat everyone we contact equally and with respect regardless of immigration status. We will continue to investigate and enforce Bozeman municipal codes and the laws of the State of Montana. We will warn, cite or arrest based solely on the facts of a criminal investigation. When our officers respond they will be in uniform, unmasked and their name and badge clearly visible.
Our department uses both marked and unmarked police vehicles and while general patrol officer duties are not the primary use of unmarked vehicles, BPD officers are expected to take law enforcement action if, and when, they observe criminal activity. Officers taking enforcement action in unmarked vehicles will be clearly identifiable, wearing a BPD issued vest with unobstructed “POLICE” markings. If you are confronted by someone who doesn’t appear to be clearly identifiable as law enforcement, do not hesitate to call 911.
Dave,
As a recent migrant to Bozeman (from Georgia), I must say how I have been repeatedly impressed by K-Sky and your good self. I can’t recall ever listening to a radio station that is so much a part of the community as yours is as recent interviews such as today’s with the Sheriff, last week’s with the police chief, MSU sports players etc. etc.
I must concur with you in that I thought Lee Brice’s song last night was something special!
Thanks Robert! Glad you found us! Welcome to Montana and our little slice of Heaven. – Dave Wotoen