New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick made waves earlier this week when she stated illegal immigration by foreign nationals in the U.S. is a “civil issue” and that therefore her agency will not enforce certain immigration laws — but would respond when ensuring public safety and that those involved in a federal operation are “not going to get hurt.”
Kirkpatrick made the remarks at a press conference marking the end of a 15-year consent decree between the city and federal government, after then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu invited the Obama Justice Department to probe the agency for alleged “pattern or practice” of civil rights-related misconduct.
During press questions, Kirkpatrick responded to one reporter by saying that to “be in the country undocumented is (a) civil issue.”
“We will not enforce civil law, and so our support is to make sure they’re not going to get hurt and our community is not in danger,” Kirkpatrick said.
“Am I expecting them to come?” she said. “Yes, I’m expecting them to come. But can I tell you they’re coming Friday? No, I can’t tell you that.”
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