Ahead of ICE ops, New Orleans police leader lambasted for comments about enforcement of immigration law
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick made waves earlier this week when she stated illegal immigration by foreign nationals in the U.S. is a "civil issue" and that therefore...
By Fox News · Fox News
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick made waves earlier this week when she stated illegal immigration by foreign nationals in the U.S. is a "civil issue" and that therefore her agency will not enforce certain immigration laws — but would respond when ensuring public safety and that those involved in a federal operation are "not going to get hurt." Kirkpatrick made the remarks at a press conference marking the end of a 15-year consent decree between the city and federal government, after then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu invited the Obama Justice Department to probe the agency for alleged "pattern or practice" of civil rights-related misconduct. During press questions, Kirkpatrick responded to one reporter by saying that to "be in the country undocumented is (a) civil issue." "We will not enforce civil law , and so our support is to make sure they're not going to get hurt and our community is not in danger," Kirkpatrick said. ICE READIES SWAMP SWEEP: MISSISSIPPI PLEDGES TO AID, NOT BLOCK, FEDERAL CRACKDOWN "Am I expecting them to come?" she said. "Yes, I'm expecting them to come. But can I tell you they're coming Friday? No, I can't tell you that." "If they call for help because they say they're going to be hurt. We are going to be there in order to help anyone in danger. We are not enforcing — because we can't." Kirkpatrick’s comments swiftly went viral on social media, with critics — largely from the right — lambasting her for claiming her agency cannot enforce certain immigration laws. DENVER MAYOR SAYS HE’S PREPARED TO GO TO JAIL OVER OPPOSITION TO TRUMP DEPORTATIONS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS Commentator Chaya Raichik, better known as "LibsOfTikTok," also responded to the superintendent's comments. "Anne Kirkpatrick... says that illegally invading the U.S. is a ‘civil issue’ and her police force ‘will not enforce the law.’" "Illegally invading the country is a crime. This is who is in charge of the police." NOEM, IN ILLINOIS, CALLS OUT GOV. PRITZKER…