The City of Buffalo is aware that some residents and businesses may have questions or concerns about federal immigration enforcement activity occurring in and around our community. We want to provide clarity about what residents may be seeing and the role of the Buffalo Police Department.
The Buffalo Police Department enforces state and local laws only. Enforcement of federal immigration law is the responsibility of the federal government. The city and its police department do not enforce immigration laws and are not involved in federal immigration operations.
When federal immigration enforcement activity occurs within the city, the Buffalo Police Department does not take an active role in those operations. ICE is an independent federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the city has no authority over federal agencies or their actions.
The Buffalo Police Department’s primary responsibility is to ensure public safety for everyone. In certain circumstances, this may include officers responding to public safety issues connected to federal law enforcement activity, such as traffic direction, crowd control, or calls for service. Officers may also respond to assess whether activity is lawful, work to de-escalate situations, protect individuals present, and maintain the peace, including protecting First Amendment rights.
The City of Buffalo respects the public’s right to demonstrate or protest lawfully. Officers may be present to ensure safety and protect constitutional rights on public property. It is unlawful for local officials or members of the public to obstruct or interfere with the actions of federal law enforcement agencies.
We ask residents to remain calm, stay safe, and avoid interfering with any federal enforcement activity. Attempting to impede federal agents can create safety risks for everyone involved. The city remains committed to ensuring public safety for all who live, work, and visit Buffalo.