Des Moines Police Chief Theodore “Ted” A. Boe on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 reassured residents that recent federal immigration policy changes will not affect the department’s relationship with the community or its approach to law enforcement.

In his memorandum, Boe emphasized that the Des Moines Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws and remains committed to equal enforcement of the law and service to all residents, regardless of national origin or immigration status.

“Simply put: changes at the federal level do not impact the relationship Des Moines Police Department has with our community – all members of our community,” the statement read.

The department cited Washington State Senate Bill 5497, also known as the Keeping Washington Working Act, which restricts local law enforcement agencies from engaging in federal immigration enforcement. Federal immigration matters fall under the jurisdiction of federal officers and the federal court system, the memorandum clarified.

The policy also states that DMPD officers will not ask for, document, or act on immigration-related matters unless they are directly relevant to a local or state criminal investigation. Chief Boe noted that an exception would be a situation involving a victim of international trafficking seeking help after being held against their will.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to building trust with all members of the community, ensuring that all residents feel safe contacting law enforcement without fear of immigration status inquiries.

For more information, the Washington State Attorney General’s guidance on the Keeping Washington Working Act is available here

Full Text of Boe’s Statement

Here’s text of Boe’s statement released on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025:

“DES MOINES POLICE DEPARTMENT

“With the sanctity of all human life as our priority, we are committed to relentlessly fighting crime with trust and care”

“MEMORANDUM

“Several people have expressed concerns over recent shifts in Federal Immigration policy and how that impacts your Des Moines Police Department. Simply put: changes at the federal level do not impact the relationship Des Moines Police Department has with our community – all members of our community.

“Our Department Manual states:

“It is the policy of the Des Moines Police Department that all members make personal and professional commitment to equal enforcement of the law and equal service to the public. Confidence in this commitment will increase the effectiveness of this department in protecting and serving the entire community and recognizing the dignity of all persons, regardless of their national origin or immigration status.”

“As a local police agency, our jurisdiction is limited to the enforcement of municipal, county and state laws in our community, utilizing the Des Moines Municipal Court and King County Superior Court. Federal immigration law is the jurisdiction of federal officers and enforced through the Federal Court system. With rare exception, we do not have jurisdiction to enforce federal law or are specifically restricted from enforcing federal immigration laws by 2019 Washington State Senate Bill 5497, also called the Keeping Washington Working Act. The Washington State Attorney General Guidance on this Bill can be found at this link: Keep Washington Working Act FAQ for Law Enforcement | Washington State.

“Our community can expect their Des Moines Police Department will not ask for, document or act on an immigration matter unless those factors are directly and materially relevant to a local or state criminal investigation, such as a victim of international trafficking asking for help because they are being held against their will.

“Thank you for your continued support and trust!

– Chief Theodore A. Boe“