The City of Rochester—the home of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony—has a long-standing history of policies and practices that support equal rights for all.
There is understandably a level of fear and concern being caused by the current rhetoric around immigration enforcement. In the City of Rochester, immigrants and refugees can contact the police and other City agencies without fear of adverse immigration consequences.
Federal agencies, not local governments, are responsible for implementation and enforcement of immigration and refugee policies. Federal law does not require local law enforcement or other local service providers to inquire into an individual’s immigration status.
In 1986, the Rochester City Council declared Rochester as a City of Sanctuaries, a place where those fleeing general conditions of persecution in their homelands could find shelter.
- The City of Rochester does not create or maintain a registry based on a person’s national origin, race, or religion.
- City personnel do not inquire, or request proof of immigration status or citizenship when providing services or benefits, unless specifically required to do so by law.
- Rochester Police Department General Orders prohibit bias-based profiling in traffic contacts, field contacts, investigations, and asset seizure and forfeiture efforts.
- Rochester Police do not stop, question, interrogate, investigate or arrest people based on actual or suspected immigration or citizenship status.
Read more about the Rochester Police Department’s full Training Bulletin and General Order regarding these topics.
The City of Rochester encourages its immigrant and refugee populations to be aware of their rights and has compiled the following list of agencies, organizations, and information for immigrants and refugees: