Geneva Police Chief Ronald Eveland released a public statement outlining the department’s policies on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This move emphasizes constitutional and legal constraints on local law enforcement’s involvement in federal civil immigration matters. He joined other law enforcement officials around the region speaking out about ICE enforcement.
In his statement, Eveland highlighted that under the U.S. Constitution’s Tenth Amendment, federal authorities cannot compel state or local governments to enforce federal immigration laws. The Geneva Police Department (GPD) operates under these principles and the guidance of the New York State Constitution, which allows local governments to regulate issues affecting residents’ safety and well-being. Currently, the City of Geneva has no law conferring sanctuary status.
The department clarified its stance on handling immigration detainers—requests from federal agencies to hold individuals for up to 48 hours. The GPD will only honor these detainers if they are accompanied by a judicial warrant issued by a federal judge or magistrate. Administrative or civil warrants issued solely by immigration officials will not be recognized.
Furthermore, the statement indicated that federal immigration authorities may request information such as the release details of detainees in local custody. Following recommendations from the New York State Attorney General, the department will not share non-public information without a judicial warrant. Officers contacted by immigration authorities are instructed to consult with an on-duty supervisor and ensure that federal agents do not use police facilities without the chief’s approval.
Chief Eveland affirmed that the department’s cooperation with immigration officials is limited to situations that directly involve public safety. The GPD will not assist in activities like detaining or questioning individuals solely for civil immigration investigations.
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