Dustin Breshears

Thank you for providing the Ingram Police Department an opportunity to respond.

I appreciate the opportunity to address several statements contained in the petition summary that, as presented, do not accurately characterize the Ingram Police Department, its participation in the 287(g) program, or the work being performed by our officers.

The Ingram Police Department’s participation in the 287(g) program is an official law-enforcement partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Participation in that program does not eliminate our responsibility to enforce Texas law, respond to calls for service, investigate criminal offenses, protect victims, or serve the residents of Ingram. Those responsibilities remain the Department’s priority.

I also respectfully disagree with the assertion that the Department’s participation in the program has drawn police resources away from community needs or slowed our community’s recovery from the devastating flooding experienced in this area. Those are significant claims, and they should be supported by objective facts and documented evidence before being presented as established conclusions.

During the flooding and subsequent recovery, members of the Ingram Police Department continued serving this community, assisting residents, responding to emergencies, and working alongside our local and regional partners. Our commitment to the people of Ingram did not stop because of our participation in a federal program.

I also believe it is important to distinguish between immigration-related incidents documented by the Department and the suggestion that every such incident represents an immigration-based stop initiated by an Ingram police officer. Those are not necessarily the same thing, and presenting them interchangeably can create an inaccurate picture of the Department’s activities.

I respect the right of individuals to petition their government and to express disagreement with public policy. At the same time, public discussion of this issue should be based upon complete and accurate information. The Ingram Police Department will continue to make its decisions based upon the law, public safety, documented facts, and what we believe is necessary to fulfill our responsibilities to the community we serve.

If Change.org intends to publish this response, I respectfully request that it be published in its entirety so that the Department’s position is presented in full context.

Respectfully,
Dustin Breshears
Chief of Police
Ingram Police Department

[Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]