FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2025

City of Sunnyside Addresses Immigration Concerns Following Presidential Inauguration

Sunnyside, WA – In light of recent inquiries and concerns within the community regarding potential immigration enforcement actions, the City of Sunnyside assures its residents that no immigration raids are occurring in the city. The City Council, Administration and Sunnyside Police Department remains committed to its role of ensuring the safety and security of all community members, regardless of their immigration status.

"The Sunnyside Police Department is not conducting any immigration enforcement, nor are we coordinating with ICE on any type of raid in our city. I've received several calls from business owners saying that residents are concerned about this. I've seen the concern building up on social media. I can assure you those are lies if someone is telling you that raids are being conducted in Sunnyside. We are taking our direction from the Governor's office, and we won't ever aide, assist or actively participate in raids of any sort," said Gonzalez

WATCH GOVERNOR BOB FERGUSON TALK ABOUT WORKING WITH THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

https://youtu.be/rfS7T3Z9vJs

“The Sunnyside Police Department is not participating in any type of immigration enforcement. That is not the function of a local police department,” said Police Chief Rob Layman.

Gonzalez, who is also a Washington Commissioner of Hispanic Affairs, in addition to his City Manager role says it's not just the undocumented who are concerned about raids. It's those residents here legally, who fear they may be arrested by ICE indiscriminately. Gonzalez says it has a cascading effect on businesses who rely on customers supporting them regardless of their status.

"In a community with a large Latino population, these are real fears. The majority of our population has ties to Mexico, and with some of the reports we are hearing out of the new president's office, rumors can spread very quickly in our city. What I will put on the record is our police department is committed to fighting crime and will arrest criminals regardless of status if they are known to have committed a violent crime or have a legal warrant for their arrest. I want everyone to be safe in our community," said Gonzalez.

SUNNYSIDE IS WELCOMING CITY

The City of Sunnyside recognizes and values the diversity of its community and understands that fear and misinformation can spread during times of political change. The city is committed to fostering an environment where all residents feel safe and supported.

Local law enforcement's mission is to protect and serve the community by addressing public safety concerns, building trust, and encouraging collaboration with all residents. Immigration enforcement is a federal matter and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Sunnyside Police Department.

"The City encourages residents to contact city officials or the police department with any questions or concerns. This doesn't mean we are sanctuary city. If you want to call us that, I really don't care. I just want our residents to feel safe, valued and an important part of our community. Together, we will continue to make Sunnyside a safe and welcoming place for everyone," said Gonzalez

For further information, please contact Mike Gonzalez at mgonzalez@sunnyside-wa.gov or Cell at 509-850-4748.

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