Our Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive Elk Grove
At the City of Elk Grove, our employees are dedicated to serving our community with compassion, respect, and professionalism. We take pride in fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits our city.
Our team understands that the trust of our residents and businesses is built on honesty, integrity, transparency, and fairness. The safety and well-being of all members of our community are our highest priorities.
Statement From The City Of Elk Grove And Elk Grove Police Department
Released on February 11, 2025
At the City of Elk Grove, our employees are dedicated to serving our community with compassion, respect, professionalism, and a strong commitment to our city’s vision, mission, and values. We take pride in fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit here.
Our team understands that the trust of our residents and businesses is built on honesty, integrity, transparency, and fairness. In any situation where public safety is at risk, our public safety officials respond swiftly, decisively, and without bias to protect the well-being of our community.
The City of Elk Grove remains committed to upholding all California laws regarding immigration status and detentions. In alignment with Senate Bill 54, local and state law enforcement agencies do not enforce federal civil immigration laws, as these matters are solely handled by federal agencies.
We are proud to serve the Elk Grove community and remain dedicated to ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive city for everyone. If you are a victim of a crime or in need of police services, irrespective of your immigration status, please call the Elk Grove Police Department at (916) 714-5115 (non-emergency police number).
Understanding Our Role in Immigration Enforcement
The Elk Grove Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws. This responsibility falls to federal agencies, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The City of Elk Grove remains committed to upholding all California laws, including the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54). This state law, passed in 2017, ensures that local and state law enforcement agencies focus on local crime and public safety. This law allows our police department to build and maintain the trust of all community members, ensuring that everyone feels safe reporting crimes without fear of being asked about their immigration status. This commitment is about making our entire community safer.
Community Diversity
The City of Elk Grove is one of the most diverse communities in the country, with no single racial or ethnic group making up a majority of the population, and over 25% of our residents are foreign born. Home to more than 180,000 residents, Elk Grove reflects a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity is one of the city’s greatest strengths, shaping its neighborhoods, schools, and local economy while fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Elk Grove Police Department (EGPD) ask me about my immigration status?
No. Regardless of our community interaction, the Elk Grove Police Department will not inquire about immigration status. The Elk Grove Police Department focuses on ensuring that everyone receives the highest level of public safety, while fostering trust and strong partnerships with the community we serve.
What if I am a victim of a crime or need police services?
Please call us immediately. If you are a victim or a witness to a crime, or if you need police services for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact the Elk Grove Police Department. You will not be asked about your immigration status.
- For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1.
- For non-emergency police services, call (916) 714-5115.
Will EGPD coordinate with ICE?
The California Values Act (SB 54) limits the assistance local law enforcement can provide to federal immigration authorities. EGPD does not detain individuals based on immigration holds, nor do we use our resources to enforce federal immigration law.
Where can I find more information on ‘Know Your Rights’?
The California Public Defenders Association provides ‘Know Your Rights’ information to help individuals understand and protect their legal rights – learn more at California Public Defenders Association.
What We Can and Cannot Do Under State and Federal Law
If we see a violation of the law in the City of Elk Grove, we will investigate and take appropriate action, regardless of who is involved.
That action may include making an arrest when legally justified, or helping someone file a complaint with the appropriate agency. It may also result in a finding that no laws were broken, and no further action is needed.
To be clear, the Elk Grove Police Department is prohibited by federal and state law from assisting with or interfering in immigration enforcement or investigations. (See 18 U.S.C. §§ 111, 118; 36 CFR § 2.32; Cal. Gov. Code §§ 7284 et seq. [the California Values Act].).
What Is ALPR and How Is It Used?
Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology uses cameras to scan and read license plates. The Elk Grove Police Department uses this technology to help identify vehicles connected to crimes and assist in criminal investigations.
ALPR data is used only for official law enforcement purposes. It may be shared with other law enforcement or prosecuting agencies in the State of California only, and as allowed by law. It is not shared with the federal government. It is not used for immigration enforcement nor routine traffic enforcement.
Only authorized police personnel can access ALPR data, and only when it relates to a specific criminal investigation or official department matter.
The system is regularly audited to ensure it is used properly and in accordance with the law.
When ICE/CBP detains any member of our community without probable cause and demands to see documentation, what will EGPD do to protect that community member?
It is against the law for Elk Grove Police Department staff to assist or interfere with any immigration enforcement/investigation. This is based on Federal and State law. (See 18 U.S.C. §§ 111, 118; 36 CFR § 2.32; Cal. Gov. Code §§ 7284 et seq. [the California Values Act].).
In the City of Elk Grove, if we see a violation of the law that falls within the state statutes, regardless of who engages in the behavior, we will investigate and proceed as required.
If federal agents do not have a judicial warrant to detain someone or to enter their home but attempt to do so anyway, how will EGPD respond?
The Elk Grove Police Department will not engage in any efforts to enforce any immigration investigations or arrests in the City. This is prohibited by law.
In the City of Elk Grove, if we see a violation of the law that falls within the state statutes, regardless of who engages in the behavior, we will investigate and proceed as required.
Will EGPD verify that masked individuals who claim to be federal agents are actual agents and not impersonators?
If Elk Grove Police Department receives information about a credible report of a law enforcement impersonator, Officers will investigate the facts and proceed as required by law.
What concrete actions will the Elk Grove Police Department (EGPD) take to prevent crime? When Elk Grove residents call 9-1-1 to report a crime, how will EGPD respond?
Elk Grove Police Department will utilize every resource available to prevent any crime and provide the highest levels of public safety for our residents.
When any member of our community lawfully protests, what protection can we expect from EGPD?
If any resident participates in a lawful protest, there will not be any reason to be contacted by the Elk Grove Police Department. If a protest becomes unlawful, EGPD will respond accordingly to mitigate the situation for a peaceful conclusion.
What standard must ICE/CBP meet to establish probable cause to use force?
Elk Grove Police Department does not govern the use of force rules, regulations, or policies, for another law enforcement entity.
What will EGPD do if a member of our community is injured?
If, in the City of Elk Grove, Elk Grove Police Department Officers witness a violation of the law that falls within the state statutes, regardless of who engages in the behavior, we will investigate and proceed as required.
This may include or may not include making an arrest and reporting our findings to the Sacramento District Attorney’s office, based on the outcome of the investigation.
Response to Incidents Involving Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions
This notice was sent to all Police Department Personnel to guide them in effectively addressing public reports of incidents—such as alleged kidnappings or disturbances—that could later be identified as involving federal immigration enforcement activities. For further details, please refer to Policy 428: Immigration Violations.
Officers Responsibilities
When responding to calls for service that may involve federal immigration enforcement actions, officers should:
- Immediately request a supervisor to respond for “possible federal immigration enforcement actions” if one has not already been dispatched.
- When Officers encounter individuals involved in apparent enforcement actions who are not easily recognizable as local, state, or federal law enforcement, make an effort to verify the credentials of the on-scene supervisor or the federal agent in charge. Ensure that this verification is recorded on body-worn camera.
Once it has been established that the incident is a federal immigration enforcement action, the responsibilities of Department Personnel present at the scene are strictly confined to the following core functions:
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Maintaining Public and Officer Safety:
The foremost goal remains the protection of both the public and officers. Officers will continue to implement tactical separation and undertake only those measures necessary to protect lives and property. This may involve establishing a secure perimeter or directing traffic to enhance public safety. -
De-escalating Tensions:
Officers are expected to uphold peace by employing Department-approved tactics and techniques aimed at de-escalating potential conflicts with members of the public. -
Communicating with the Community:
Officers need to communicate clearly with bystanders, assuring them of the Department's impartial role. They should explain that their presence is solely to maintain public safety, not to support any civil immigration enforcement actions.
- Take Information Report(s).
- Make certain that all gathered information is incorporated into the CFS summary.
- Tag all videos in Evidence.com with the corresponding incident number.
Supervisor’s Responsibilities
To guarantee appropriate oversight and compliance with Department and City directives regarding federal immigration enforcement actions, supervisors shall:
- Answer calls for service that they are assigned to in accordance with this policy.
- Make an effort to confirm the credentials of the on-site supervisor or the federal agent in charge.
- Guarantee that officers comply with Department policies related to immigration enforcement actions, all the while prioritizing public safety.
- Notify the watch commander of the incident and provide all relevant information.
- Sergeants are responsible for informing the Watch Commander and Public Information Officer (PIO) if any comparable law enforcement agencies (e.g., U.S. Marshals Service) take action or enforce laws in the area. It is important to note that U.S. Marshals vehicles resemble those of ICE, which could lead to public confusion.
Watch Commander’s Responsibilities
- Notify the Operations Captain.
Communications Division Responsibilities
Communications Division Personnel shall:
- Send a field supervisor to respond to calls for service that indicates potential federal immigration enforcement action.
Reminder! ALPR (FLOCK) inquiries are not to be ran for federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Community Resources
The City of Elk Grove is committed to ensuring all residents have access to the resources they need. We encourage you to visit our existing Resources for Refugees page for information on support services. Additionally, here are links to other community and legal aid organizations:
- Sacramento Fuel Network – the City provides funding for Elk Grove residents to utilize this network.
- CDSS Immigration Services Funding (ISF) Program
- Immigration Services Bureau (ISB)
- Office of Immigrant Youth (OIY)
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Charter for Compassion
In January 2020, the City adopted a Charter for Compassion, an idea championed by local residents. A compassionate city is one that understands the interconnectedness of individuals and of the environment and actively looks to ensure the health, well-being, and inclusion of all. Practicing compassion has been demonstrated to have both individual and community benefits, including creating greater social solidarity, improving resilience, individual happiness and longevity, and reducing individual stress.