Meléndez: Rochester Police Violated Sanctuary City Policy in Whitney Street Incident
- Staff Report
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Rochester City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez Jr. said Wednesday that city police violated Rochester’s sanctuary city policy during a recent incident on Whitney Street involving federal immigration agents.
Following a review of body-worn camera footage, Meléndez said there was no clear emergency or threat when Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers arrived at the scene. He called the police response a breach of city policy, which prohibits local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement unless public safety is at risk.
“It is clear in the video that the people involved were scared,” Meléndez said in a written statement. “Based upon the video, RPD had no apparent reason to take over the scene, and the supervisor on scene acknowledged this.”
Rochester has maintained sanctuary city principles since 1986, reaffirming its stance with City Council Resolution 2017-5. Under the policy, city departments — including RPD — are barred from using resources to enforce federal immigration law, with exceptions only for genuine emergencies or public safety threats.
Meléndez emphasized that sanctuary city policies are not designed to shield criminals from prosecution, but to build trust between local authorities and immigrant communities. “Criminals are not, and will never be, protected by sanctuary city provisions,” he said. “That is a false narrative.”
The council president criticized what he described as politicization of immigration enforcement by state and county officials, calling it harmful to families, schools, and community safety. He urged policymakers to avoid “reckless agendas” and instead focus on thoughtful leadership.
Meléndez reaffirmed his commitment to the city’s “Pact with the People,” a council initiative aimed at transparency and communication. He pledged to keep residents informed about the sanctuary city policy and other key issues.
“This is not about political theatre,” he said. “It’s about people’s lives.”
Meléndez’s full letter is below.
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