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MAYOR HELENA MORENO SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER PROHIBITING 287(g) ICE AGREEMENTS
NEW ORLEANS – Today, Mayor Helena Moreno signed an Executive Order prohibiting any public official from entering a “287(g) agreement,” the main method by which ICE deputizes local law enforcement to conduct immigration enforcement operations.
“Immigration enforcement is not the mission of the New Orleans Police Department – it never has been and it won’t be under my watch. NOPD will never ask for anyone’s immigration status and will not be deputized under ICE,” Mayor Helena Moreno said. “NOPD’s priority is public safety — responding to violent crime, protecting residents, and building trust in our communities. We will always comply with state law while simultaneously protecting New Orleanians.”
“The focus of NOPD is protecting and serving New Orleanians,” Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Michael Harrison said. “It’s not local law enforcement’s job to handle federal issues and this Executive Order reinforces this principle.”
The new policy confirms the position of the Moreno Administration regarding the proper use of the limited resources of the New Orleans Police Department, which has made remarkable gains in reducing violent crime despite persistent understaffing and stark fiscal constraints. The Administration reaffirms that those resources are better employed by addressing violent crime in the city, while the vast resources of the federal government are sufficient to address federal immigration matters.
The Executive Order states that no city official shall sign or submit any application, letter of intent, certification, or other document intended to establish, implement, or participate in a 287(g) or ICE Agreement. Similar bans are occurring across the country including at least 8 states.
The City of New Orleans will always comply with applicable state and federal laws.
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