Dayton police to adjust to Trump’s immigration orders

Dayton police Chief Richard Biehl says his department will need to make some “minor” policy changes after President Trump this week signed executive orders aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.

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Biehl said law enforcement has worked hard to build relationships with members of the immigrant community and will be “very thoughtful” on any adjustments the department makes.

He said police will not inquire about the immigration status of victims of crime. He said officers already contact immigration authorities when they have suspects who are accused of higher-level crimes. He said policies regarding low-level offenses will need some minor adjustment.

“We don’t want to discourage victims from coming forward and reporting crimes,” he said.

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Trump signed an order that seeks to block funding to “sanctuary cities” that do not cooperate with federal officials to enforce immigration law. Trump is expected to take action to suspend the refugee resettlement program and block visitors from some Muslim-majority nations.

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Biehl and other city officials said Dayton is not a sanctuary city. However, some anti-immigrant groups say they have approved sanctuary policies.

Dayton’s welcoming campaign “is sham program with the primary purpose of helping unauthorized (illegal) aliens living in the Dayton area,” said Steve Salvi, founder Ohio Jobs and Justice PAC, which advocates restricting immigration.

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