By Marissa Cabrera
On Sept. 24, an officer pulled over a 29-year old City Heights man. The man’s family said he was driving with his music too loudly. However, instead of issuing a citation, the officer called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and now the driver is facing deportation.
San Diego’s Executive Assistant Chief of Police David Ramirez said the department is investigating the complaint.
Earlier this year, a similar complaint alleging the mishandling of an undocumented driver was filed. An internal investigation found that the responding officer called immigration authorities against the department rules. Ramirez said the officer was disciplined.
American Friends Service Committee and other local human rights organizations held a community meeting Thursday evening in City Heights to discuss the relationship between immigrant communities and the police department.
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Field Guide: Police Role In Immigration Enforcement
Some activists in City Heights say police officers have continued turning people over to immigration authorities during routine traffic stops despite a 2008 policy that bars them from doing so. They say the practice would damage trust between the department and local immigrants.
Traffic Incidents Lead to Deportations Despite Perceived Assurances
Two City Heights men were pulled over for a broken taillight in 2010. One was immediately deported and the other is awaiting his deportation hearing. A 2008 SDPD policy says this shouldn’t have happened, but interpretation of the policy varies.