Danbury City Council Approves Non-Citizen Police Officers Amid ICE Raids

<p>The City Council of Danbury, Connecticut, voted 18-2 to allow non-citizen legal residents and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to serve as police officers. This decision follows a week of ICE raids in the area, which resulted in over 60 arrests.</p><p>City council member Joe Britton stated that the vote sends a message to the immigrant community that they are welcome in Danbury. He described the situation surrounding the ICE operations as 'frightening' and emphasized the importance of the new policy.</p><p>Britton noted that the change does not lower the standards for becoming a police officer, as all applicants must still meet the same training, background, character, and certification requirements. He mentioned that this amendment is legal and has been recommended, aiming to expand the pool of qualified applicants.</p><p>Taylor O'Brien, a spokesperson for the Danbury city government, confirmed that the ordinance was amended in accordance with Connecticut's Police Officer Standards and Training Council, which allows legal permanent residents and DACA recipients to apply for police positions. O'Brien stated that this standard is followed by over 30 municipalities in Connecticut and several states.</p><p>In 2020, the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council partially waived the citizenship requirement for law enforcement candidates, extending eligibility to lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients. Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, who immigrated to the U.S. as an undocumented child, expressed support for the measure, emphasizing that it maintains rigorous hiring standards.</p><p>Alves stated that the amendment would strengthen the recruitment pool and provide opportunities for qualified individuals who are committed to serving the community. Last year, ICE arrested two illegal immigrants who were serving as police officers in separate incidents.</p>