Stollsteimer says he would turn over criminal suspects who are here illegally, but not witnesses or victims
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said his office will not cooperate with federal investigations of undocumented immigrants who are “living peacefully.”
Stollsteimer said his office does not inquire about the immigration status of witnesses or victims, and if investigators learn that a witness or victim is in the United States illegally, they will not report such individuals to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
“I do not want any victim or witness of a crime to be afraid of seeking justice from this office for fear they will be punished for doing so,” Stollsteimer said in a statement on social media. “Our ability to seek justice for all is built upon community trust.”
Stollsteimer emphasized that this protection does not extend to those accused of crimes.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with our federal partners to investigate and hold criminals accountable, and if these criminals are not in the country legally, we will without hesitation cooperate with immigration officials who seek their legal removal from the United States.”
Stollsteimer said it is the role of his office to enforce state and local laws and not to “participate in ‘round ups’ of people living peacefully in Delaware County.”
