Bellevue police release video reassuring residents about immigration

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The Bellevue Police Department is hoping to calm immigration concerns from residents by creating a video message.

The video was posted on the department's YouTube channel in English and Spanish.

"The purpose of this video is to tell you what my officers will and will not do when it comes to matter of immigration," Chief Steve Mylett said at the beginning of the video.

Mylett said Bellevue police will not enforce the current administration's calls for stricter enforcement around immigration and deportation. In the video an officer explains, "This means if you are a victim, witness, or suspect in a crime, the Bellevue Police Department will not ask you what your immigration status is."

The video was created with the recommendation of the Chief's Latino Advisory Board in the hopes it will encourage the public to call police for help without the fear of deportation.

"There may be problems in the community we haven't heard about because people are afraid to call and we don't want that to happen," said Bellevue Police Officer Seth Tyler.

Along with the video, police will also do outreach through flyers in six languages and hand them out at stores, churches, and community functions.

Cox Media Group