Police chief explains department’s role in immigration crackdown

Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri

By Charles Sercombe
Word around Hamtramck is that ICE agents have been knocking on doors in their search for illegal immigrants.
But those reports seem to be based on hearsay, as there has been no documentation of ICE agents targeting the city.
However, considering that Hamtramck is home to many immigrants, it’s likely just a matter of time before the national illegal immigrant crackdown comes knocking on the city’s doors.
And so far, the mayor and city council have been silent on the matter, even though they are all immigrants.
But there has been one exception.
Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, who is an immigrant from Yemen, has hit social media to assure the public that his department will only assist federal officers if those under investigation pose a risk to their safety.
The Review first published his policy on the matter a few weeks ago, and, recently, the chief re-broadcast his policy on the department’s Facebook page.
Here’s what he had to say:
“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.”
“The Hamtramck Police Department will not investigate or arrest people based on their immigration status, and our officers will not ask questions about anyone’s immigration status,” he said.
“The Hamtramck Police Department is not required to enforce immigration laws, but will assist the federal government if suspected individuals pose any safety risk to the City of Hamtramck.”
Hamtramck is not a sanctuary city, but in 2008, the city passed a resolution, still in effect today, forbidding police officers from profiling, or from allowing officers or city employees to inquire about a person’s immigration status.
It also allows undocumented immigrants to receive city services.
The public school district has designated itself as a “sanctuary,” and will not share the immigrant status of its students with authorities.
In the district’s policy on protecting student rights, students who are approached by law enforcement officers or immigration officials are advised to:
• Politely decline to engage and say: “I’m sorry, I can’t talk to strangers.”
• Remain silent if further questioned.
• Immediately find a staff member if the student is on campus.
And for parents who are also approached by officers and immigration officials, they are advised to:
• Stay calm and refrain from answering questions.
• Do not reveal personal information (such as names, birthdays, phone numbers).
• Politely exercise your right to privacy.
Immigrant advocates are advising those who are challenged by ICE agents at their household to do the following:
o Don’t open your door.
o Ask to see a copy of a warrant through the window, or have it slipped under a door. The document should have the signature of a judge and the name of the person being sought.
o If they do enter your dwelling, remain silent.
o Do not answer questions or sign any papers without your attorney being present.
Posted March 7, 2025