The national conversation around immigration continues to create uncertainty and fear for many individuals and families in our community. I want to speak directly to those feelings and reaffirm a message that remains at the heart of who we are as a police department:

Every person in Chula Vista matters. Every voice matters. Every family matters… regardless of immigration status.

Our mission has always been, and continues to be, public safety, not immigration enforcement. You deserve to feel safe calling us, approaching us, and relying on us when you need help. Whether you are a victim of a crime, a witness, or someone simply seeking assistance, immigration status is not part of our policing.

The Chula Vista Police Department has long-standing policies publicly posted and deeply rooted in our values that reflect this commitment. Our officers are required to provide equal service, respect, and protection to every member of our community. We do not enforce federal immigration laws, and we do not participate in operations conducted solely for immigration enforcement purposes.

To enhance public safety, we do assign officers to work on some federal task forces. These partnerships focus exclusively on combating violent crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other serious criminal threats that impact our community. These assignments are strictly limited to criminal investigations and have no connection to immigration enforcement.

These policies and partnerships are more than guidelines; they are a reflection of who we are as a department and as a city. Community trust is essential to public safety. We cannot build safer neighborhoods without the partnership and cooperation of the people we serve. Your willingness to come forward, to report crime, and to seek help without fear makes all of us stronger and safer.

I am proud of the men and women of the Chula Vista Police Department who continue to uphold these values with compassion, integrity, and professionalism even during the most challenging times in law enforcement. Their dedication to protecting all members of our community is unwavering.

Thank you for your trust, your resilience, and your partnership. It is our honor to protect and serve you.

Together, we will continue building a community where safety, dignity, and respect belong to everyone.

Click here to learn more about the City of Chula Vista's Know Your Rights – Immigration Resources Campaign.