Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando has initiated an administrative review following an incident where local officers did not intervene while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents struggled to detain a suspect near the Zone 3 police station. The situation drew attention amid claims that Pittsburgh police officers were instructed to stand down during the confrontation.
Incident Details and Internal Review
The confrontation occurred near the Zone 3 station when ICE agents attempted to arrest an individual who resisted, fighting and kicking the agents, according to local reports. Despite the apparent struggle, Pittsburgh police officers present at the scene did not intervene. Radio host Colin Dunlap reported that a Pittsburgh officer indicated they had been told to stand down, although Chief Lando stated he is unaware of any official order instructing officers not to act.
Chief Lando emphasized that while officers did not intervene in this case, Pittsburgh police do not enforce federal immigration laws and are not involved in ICE operations. He noted that the department does not check immigration status during calls nor participate in immigration “roundups.” The department’s role is limited to responding to emergency assistance calls and securing scenes before returning to regular duties.
Lando has tasked the Zone 3 commander with conducting a thorough review to clarify the full circumstances surrounding the event.
City Policy on Immigration Enforcement
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor has confirmed that the city maintains a policy of not collaborating with ICE operations. This stance was reiterated in January following a fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis, with the mayor describing the incident as a “tragedy” and underscoring Pittsburgh’s commitment to being a welcoming city for immigrants.
The Pittsburgh Police Department continues to separate local law enforcement duties from federal immigration enforcement, reflecting the city’s existing policies on immigrant relations and law enforcement cooperation.
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