Recent federal immigration measures have instilled a sense of fear among residents, leading them to avoid contacting emergency services or even routine traffic stops, according to Mariluz Garcia, the vice chair of the county’s Board of Commissioners. Garcia emphasized that Washoe County Sheriff’s Office does not engage in questioning, arresting, or detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status.
“Nuestros agentes no detienen a Lucía Starbuck por su acento, por el color de su piel ni porque sospechen de su estatus migratorio”, said García. “Ese no es el papel que desempeñan ni el trabajo que hacen. El estatus migratorio podría conocerse, quizá, una vez que la persona está en un centro de detención. Esa información es de acceso público.”
In a written statement, Sheriff Darin Balaam clarified that immigration law enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction. He noted that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has had access to the county jail for over three decades.
“Las personas son alojadas en nuestro centro de detención únicamente bajo autoridad legal y en pleno cumplimiento del debido proceso constitucional, la ley de Nevada y los requisitos federales aplicables”, Balaam stated.
Unlike the metropolitan police in Las Vegas and the counties of Douglas and Lyon, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has not entered into the 287(g) agreement. This agreement permits local law enforcement to function as immigration agents.
Garcia highlighted another challenge: misinformation. She mentioned recently having to debunk two false reports claiming that Nevada Highway Patrol and the National Guard were enforcing immigration laws.
“La gente siente que está ayudando a la situación al evitar que otros caigan en una trampa. La intención es realmente buena: quieres cuidar a tus vecinos. El problema es que tú o yo podemos armar una publicación en redes sociales y difundirla sin más”, García explained.
She urged the community to verify information for accuracy and truthfulness before sharing it further.
