Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors and Major Cities Chiefs Association on Ensuring Public Safety Amid Federal Immigration Actions

Washington, D.C. - This week, the leadership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Major Cities Chiefs Association met to discuss ways in which local leaders can work together to uphold the rule of law, support peaceful protest, and ensure community safety. Following their discussion, the two groups issued the joint statement below:

"As mayors and police chiefs, the safety of our residents is our paramount concern. What is happening right now in our country deeply concerns us. We wish for peace, and we want to keep local law enforcement resources focused on continuing crime reduction.

"The enforcement of immigration laws is not new, and Americans have a wide spectrum of views regarding immigration laws and enforcement of those laws. We recognize that fundamental policy decisions about immigration laws and enforcement must be made at the federal level.

"Having said that, we must speak up for public safety and order, and we believe that on these topics there is common ground that the vast majority of Americans can support.

"The mayors and police chiefs of the United States urge all federal law enforcement agencies to model the professionalism and care that we expect from our local law enforcement agencies. We recognize that some situations can escalate, but we urge federal law enforcement leaders to insist upon calm, professionalism, and de-escalation from their officers at all times.

"Similarly, we call on all residents exercising their First Amendment rights to pursue legal and non-violent protest. Regardless of the views or intentions of those engaging in protest activity, we do not condone protest actions that are violent, destroy property, obstruct law enforcement, or are intended to incite such behavior. We ask for civil discourse and for our residents who desire policy change to pursue it through the legal and political methods afforded us.

"Fundamentally, America's mayors and police chiefs call for peace, de-escalation, calm and professionalism. We demand nothing less from ourselves, and all Americans should demand the same from our federal officials and our fellow residents."

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