The City of Erie has released a statement due to the recent changes in immigration policy at the federal level. 

Recent changes in immigration policy at the federal level have caused a great deal of fear and
uncertainty among our immigrant and refugee population. These fears have, in turn, generated many
rumors about the role of local law enforcement with respect to the apprehension, incarceration, and
cooperation with federal agencies in the deportation of immigrants. These rumors have wrongly created
a divide between our police officers and the very people that they are sworn to protect and serve.
The City of Erie is proud to be a Certified Welcoming City and embraces the two tenants of its
Welcoming America designation:
1) The City of Erie and the Erie Police Department have initiated programs to build trust and mutual
understanding with immigrant communities and immigrant-serving organizations; and
2) The Erie Police Department does not have policies in place where the primary purpose is to detain or
deport immigrants.
The City of Erie Police Department (“EPD”) devotes all of its time and resources to the prevention of
crime and the protection of all residents and visitors to our beautiful city. When officers witness
violations of the law, they will intervene and investigate. If, while investigating, the officer discovers that
the person has an outstanding local, state, or federal arrest warrant, the officer is required by law to
detain the person and turn him/her over to the appropriate jurisdiction.
The EPD does not devote any of its time or resources to immigration issues or violations. The EPD does
not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to investigate or respond to an individual’s
immigration status, does not maintain immigration records, and does not investigate, stop, or question
people for immigration purposes. The City does not issue or revoke visas and does not play any role in
the deportation of individuals from the United States. The EPD only detains people who have committed
a crime or have an outstanding arrest warrant. People are not detained or deported due to a routine
traffic stop or an expired vehicle registration.
EPD officers regularly meet with new arrivals, either through our three refugee resettlement agencies or
by organizing translated events with the communities themselves, to explain the role of EPD and share
guidance on local laws.
Like all residents, immigrants and refugees should be sure to follow all rules and laws of the City,
including the rules of the road. They should also carry their immigration paperwork (including work permits) and valid state-issued photo ID, such as a valid PA driver’s license, and ensure that their vehicle
registration and car insurance are up to date.
The EPD is here to protect the City’s residents and visitors from crime. All law-abiding residents should
know that they can contact the police any time they need help.