Fullerton Police Chief Denies Assisting ICE in Operation

Fullerton Police Chief Addresses ICE Operation

• 📌 Fullerton Police Chief John Raitt issued a video statement to deny accusations that his officers assisted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an operation last month.
• ⚠️ The community had become concerned due to recent ICE raids in the area, leading to heightened tensions.

Incident Details and Public Safety Response

• 🚨 The incident began on January 22nd when a resident reported a man jumping a fence with a gun at the Highland Pine Tree Apartments.
• 🤝 Upon arrival, Fullerton police found federal agents already on scene searching for the same suspect.
• 💡 Chief Raitt emphasized that the response was solely based on a public safety issue involving an armed individual, not on immigration status.
• 🚫 He reiterated that Fullerton police follow state law and do not assist in immigration enforcement.

Clarification on Officer Interaction

• 💬 Witnesses reported officers shaking hands with federal agents, which Chief Raitt acknowledged as customary politeness when meeting new people.
• ⚖️ He stressed that the department adheres to state laws and does not engage in immigration enforcement activities.

Outcome of the Operation

• ❓ The suspect federal agents were looking for was not apprehended during the operation.
• 📞 KTLA reached out to federal officials for more information on the suspect and the outcome of their search.