Following U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision Friday that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is unlawful, which blocked new applications, the following are quotes from local police chiefs who are members of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force. For additional context on the decision, please see this explainer from the National Immigration Forum.

Chief Orlando Rolón, Orlando, Florida; Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force Co-chair:
“For children who entered this country unlawfully, America is the only home they’ve ever known. Many of these children have grown up in our neighborhoods and have become contributing members of our society. As a nation we have a moral obligation to protect deserving individuals who have earned the opportunity to remain in this country. Congress has a duty to quickly act to find bipartisan permanent solutions that protect our nation from injustices of the past, present, and future. Dreamers deserve this from our congressional leaders.”

Retired Chief Ramon Batista, Mesa, Arizona:
“My experience with Dreamers has been that they work just as hard as anyone to achieve the American dream; they have an undeniable work ethic. They hold dear their religious faiths, their love of family and their love of Country. Dreamers enrich and contribute to the greatness of our Nation through their vibrancy and energy. Dreamers belong here, and that’s why we need Congress to enact a lasting solution.”

Chief Mark Prosser, Retired Director of Public Safety, Storm Lake, Iowa:
“Dreamers have and continue to contribute to cities and our nation as whole in a plethora of business disciplines and as valued members of our communities. These important members of our country are here by no fault of their own and they’ve done nothing but make our nation and cities better and stronger. I urge Congress to protect our Dreamers from any negative impacts from this court ruling and to quickly and legislatively solidify their legal status in our country.” 

Chief Mike Tupper, Marshalltown, Iowa:
“Making DACA permanent — and pushing forward with commonsense immigration reforms — makes sense now more than ever. With businesses everywhere struggling to find employees, meaningful immigration policies will benefit our economy. Our communities will be safer and stronger if our representatives in Congress can work across the aisle to find permanent solutions that benefit Dreamers and all essential workers. It is time to act.”

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