In light of a recent increase in federal immigration activity in New Bedford, the city’s police department has issued new policy outlining how officers should respond during future encounters.

Although immigration enforcement is not a responsibility of local police, officers may still be called to areas where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations are taking place to provide information, de-escalate situations, enforce laws and maintain order. Because of this, and amid community criticism and national attention, New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody sent out a memo last month outlining what sworn personnel can and cannot do when ICE agents are present.

If ICE shows a judicially issued federal arrest warrant, officers are required to treat it the same as they would a warrant from the FBI, DEA or U.S. Marshals. While the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects state and local governments from enforcing federal laws, officers are prohibited from actively interfering with ICE operations.

“Any actions that deliberately impeded federal officers could expose officers or departments to legal liability,” the guide states.

See more at wpri.com.