Greensboro police release statement on role in immigration enforcement

The Greensboro Police Department is addressing concerns about officers' roles in immigration enforcement.

Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson says officers will not ask the immigration status of members of the public, including victims or witnesses. The statement comes amid new policies from the White House.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a directive in January overturning the previous administration's guidelines that created protected areas including hospitals, churches and schools.

According to police, officers' role in enforcement came up during several recent community meetings with Thompson.

Thompson says his officers do not have the authority to transport people or take other enforcement actions for a civil violation of a federal law. He adds police do not ask or check immigration status during traffic checkpoints.

Thompson says the GPD also does not oversee detention facilities, so recent changes will not affect the job tasks of his employees.