Even among the blizzard of bizarre and radical reactions to Donald Trump’s election last month, a letter to the community from the police chief of Culver City “Bixby on Immigration” deserved a closer look.
Especially since ladies and gentlemen in law enforcement are known for their conservative political preferences.
Signed by Scott Bixby, the letter assured Culver City residents that immigrants are in no danger of being apprehended because of Mr. Trump’s campaign vow to massively deport illegal arrivals.
School districts in Culver City and elsewhere formally have declared that students from presumably endangered immigrant families will be protected by campus safe zones.
Mr. Bixby was asked about the spirit in which his letter was composed.
“It was written just to let everybody know that nothing has changed,” the police chief said. “Not a thing has changed.
“We never have been immigration police. That is not our primary function.
“We do cooperate with the federal government, or any legal entity, provided they have the right paperwork,” Mr. Bixby said.
“Right now the law in this state – and what we go by – is if somebody gets arrested, we fingerprint them, and this goes through the system.
“If it comes back that we should put a hold on them, we only hold them for as long as we are allowed to on our charge.”
The police chief said that if another law enforcement agency “comes to us with the proper documents – within the time frame we are allowed to have them – will we give that person to them? Absolutely.”
How often does such a scenario occur?
“Rare to never,” said Mr. Bixby.
What does the chief think of the School District’s “safe zone” resolution days after Mr. Trump’s election?
He smiled.
“I think it is primarily symbolic,” he said. “We’ve never had an issue here. Just never,” said the man who has spent his entire career in Culver City.
“People are scared and nervous. They don’t know what to think after the election.
“I really believe their fears are unfounded,” Mr. Bixby said. “Nothing has changed.”
