Meléndez: Rochester Police Breached Sanctuary City Policy in Whitney Street Encounter

Rochester City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez Jr. announced Wednesday that the Rochester Police Department (RPD) violated the city’s sanctuary city policy during a recent incident on Whitney Street involving federal immigration agents.

After reviewing body-worn camera footage, Meléndez concluded that there was no apparent emergency or threat when RPD officers arrived on scene. He stated that the department’s actions were inconsistent with the city’s policy, which prohibits local agencies from assisting federal immigration enforcement unless there is a clear public safety risk.

“It is clear in the video that the people involved were scared,” Meléndez said in a written statement. “Based on the footage, RPD had no clear justification for taking control of the situation — and the on-scene supervisor acknowledged as much.”

Rochester has upheld sanctuary city principles since 1986, reaffirming them in City Council Resolution 2017-5. Under this policy, local departments — including RPD — are not permitted to use city resources to aid federal immigration operations, except in emergency or public safety situations.

Meléndez stressed that sanctuary policies are not designed to protect criminals, but rather to foster trust between immigrant communities and local authorities. “Criminals are not, and will never be, protected by sanctuary city provisions,” he said. “That is a false narrative.”

He criticized what he described as the politicization of immigration enforcement by state and county officials, warning that such actions threaten families, disrupt schools, and undermine community safety. He called for thoughtful, responsible leadership over “reckless agendas.”

Meléndez also reaffirmed his support for the city’s “Pact with the People” — a council initiative focused on transparency and open communication — and pledged to continue informing residents about the sanctuary city policy and related issues.

“This is not about political theatre,” he said. “It’s about people’s lives.”

Meléndez’s full statement is included below.