The Austin Police Department in Austin, Texas, announced that it will update its internal policy on how officers cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in order to clarify procedures, define responsibilities, and standardize interactions with federal immigration agents.
Department officials stated that command staff will review existing guidelines that govern when and how officers share information or coordinate with ICE during criminal investigations or enforcement actions.
The review will include an assessment of current practices related to requests for assistance from ICE, notifications to federal agents, and the handling of individuals who may be subject to federal immigration enforcement.
The Austin Police Department will draft revised policy language that outlines specific circumstances under which officers may interact with ICE and the limits of that cooperation under local, state, and federal law.
Officials indicated that the updated policy will provide direction to officers on documentation, reporting, and supervisory oversight related to any contact or cooperation with ICE.
The Austin Police Department plans to communicate the finalized policy to all sworn personnel through training and written directives once leadership approves the updated guidelines.
The department will place the revised policy within its general orders or policy manual to ensure that officers can access and reference the rules governing cooperation with federal immigration agents.