Fontana police officers misidentified as ICE agents, police chief says

FONTANA, Calif. - As federal immigration raids continue across Southern California, local law enforcement agencies are addressing a new concern… the public misidentifying police officers as ICE agents. 

What they're saying:

Fontana's police chief has issued a statement clarifying the role of local law enforcement regarding immigration enforcement after local police officers were misidentified by the public as federal agents.

In a statement posted Thursday, Fontana Chief of Police Michael Dorsey directly addressed recent social media posts containing misinformation about the Fontana Police Department. 

These posts have incorrectly identified Fontana Police officers as ICE and/or federal law enforcement officers engaged in immigration enforcement. 

SUGGESTED: ICE raids in LA: From Hollywood to Pacoima, multiple raids reported Thursday

Chief Dorsey said the misinformation has led to uninvolved individuals disrupting active police operations.

Chief Dorsey stated that the Fontana Police Department "is committed to protecting and serving all members of our community" and that their mission is "to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, or visits our city."

Also in San Bernardino County, the sheriff's department said they experienced two incidents of department personnel being targeted while driving unmarked vehicles. In one of the incidents, a vehicle was run off the road. 

"All white vehicles are NOT ICE. Our department has a fleet of unmarked vehicles in all colors, makes and models for various assignments and uses, non of which include immigration enforcement. Let’s clear up the confusion and protect everyone in our community," the sheriff's department posted on X. 

The backstory:

California law, including the California Values Act (SB 54), dictates how local law enforcement agencies interact with federal immigration authorities. 

These laws are specifically "designed to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities," a purpose which the Fontana Police Department fully supports, Chief Dorsey said.

SUGGESTED: ICE agents denied entry into Dodger Stadium, team says

Videos of ICE raids showing masked officers using unmarked vehicles and detaining people have sparked concerns across California. 

A bill proposed by State Sen. Scott Wiener and State Sen. Jesse Arreguin would require all law enforcement officials to show their faces and be identifiable by uniform, which should carry their name or other identifier. If not, the officer could face a misdemeanor charge.

Wiener said the proposal seeks to boost transparency and public trust in law enforcement. It also looks to protect against people trying to impersonate law enforcement, they said.

SUGGESTED: Border Patrol says California, LA 'sanctuary' policies force public patrols

"We are seeing more and more law enforcement officers, particularly at the federal level, covering their faces entirely, not identifying themselves at all and, at times, even wearing army fatigues where we can’t tell if these are law enforcement officers or a vigilante militia," Wiener said.

"They are grabbing people off our streets and disappearing people, and it’s terrifying," he added.

Local perspective:

Chief Dorsey emphasized that Fontana Police officers are present to "respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety." 

He clarified that if someone reports a crime or is interviewed as part of an investigation, officers "do not ask individuals about their immigration status." 

He added that "that information is not relevant to Fontana Police Department operations." 

SUGGESTED: Video showing ICE takedown of US citizen in Pico Rivera parking lot sparks community outrage

"As your Chief of Police, let me be clear. The Fontana Police Department is committed to protecting and serving all members of our community. Our mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, or visits our city," Chief Dorsey stated.

What you can do:

The Chief asks the community to allow officers to carry out their duties without interference. He concluded his statement by saying, "We appreciate your trust and your support."

ImmigrationCrime and Public SafetyFontana