New Orleans Police Chief’s Controversial Remarks on Immigration

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick recently stirred up some controversy. During a news conference marking the conclusion of a 15-year federal oversight agreement, she stated that crimes committed by undocumented individuals are essentially a “civil matter.” This means her department won’t enforce certain immigration laws, although they will intervene if public safety is at risk. She emphasized that anyone participating in federal operations “will not be harmed.”

Kirkpatrick’s comments came after an inquiry from the press in which she asserted that “illegal overstaying is a civil matter.” She added, “We’re not going to enforce civil law,” indicating a focus on protecting community members rather than penalizing them for immigration issues.

Social media quickly lit up in response to her statements. Critics, predominantly from conservative circles, accused her of suggesting that her agency lacks the authority to enforce immigration laws. Notably, commentator Chaya Reichik remarked on Kirkpatrick’s assertion, questioning how trespassing into the United States could be considered merely civil, and labeled it a crime instead.

Others chimed in as well; for instance, conservative commentator David Harris Jr. highlighted the notion that Kirkpatrick’s claims contradicted common law enforcement practices. Florida journalist Eric Daugherty expressed disbelief that a police chief could be unaware of what constitutes a crime, insisting that immigration violations should lead to arrests and deportations.

In addition to the social media backlash, Louisiana Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill responded to the discourse, underscoring that obstructing federal immigration enforcement is, in fact, a violation of state law and should be addressed by law enforcement.

Moreover, some critics referenced U.S. Code Section 1325, which criminalizes unlawful entry, further questioning Kirkpatrick’s interpretation of immigration law. Her comments regarding civil law seem to hinge on a provision suggesting that illegal presence due to visa overstays falls into civil offenses. Yet, this has opened up a debate about what constitutes a crime versus a civil matter.

Murrill reiterated the need for cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies to uphold state laws that protect individuals and property. Meanwhile, attempts to reach the New Orleans Police Department for additional comments were met with unreturned inquiries.