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In a recent incident near a Pittsburgh police station, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents faced difficulty while attempting to apprehend a suspect. Notably, nearby Pittsburgh police officers did not step in, leading to circulating rumors that they were directed to abstain from intervening.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando has responded to these claims, stating that he is unaware of any directive instructing officers to refrain from assisting. In light of the situation, Chief Lando has announced an administrative review to thoroughly investigate what transpired.
Chief Lando shared in a statement to Fox News Digital, “I was recently informed about an incident that took place in front of the Zone 3 police station where ICE agents were having difficulties apprehending an individual.”
According to KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, the confrontation occurred as ICE agents attempted to detain a suspect, who then resisted by fighting and kicking the agents. This has sparked discussions and concern regarding the police officers’ lack of intervention.
Adding to the controversy, radio host Colin Dunlap reported that a police officer confided in him, claiming that they were instructed to stand down during the incident. The unfolding situation has raised questions about the protocols and directives guiding local law enforcement’s interaction with federal agents.
“It has been alleged by some individuals that Pittsburgh police officers were ordered not to intervene and were forced to stand by and watch,” he continued. “While our officers did not intervene in this particular situation, I am not aware of any order given that forbid them from doing so.”
The incident occurred near the Zone 3 station, where ICE agents had stopped a vehicle at a nearby gas station and attempted to take a suspect into custody, according to Lando.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer’s badge and gear. (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
While officers did not intervene, Lando emphasized that Pittsburgh police do not enforce federal immigration law and are not involved in ICE operations.
“Our job is not, and has never been, to conduct immigration enforcement,” Lando said. “We do not collaborate with ICE. We do not check immigration status on calls for service. We do not participate in ‘roundups.’”
He added that officers are still required to respond to emergency calls for assistance, including from other law enforcement agencies, but are instructed to assist only in securing the scene before returning to service.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando ordered a review after officers did not intervene as ICE agents struggled with a suspect amid claims of a stand-down order. (Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Facebook)
Lando said he has directed the Zone 3 commander to conduct a review to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor has said the city will continue its policy of not assisting ICE operations, according to CBS News Pittsburgh.
O’Connor, a Democrat, made the comments in January after a fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis, calling the incident a “tragedy” and emphasizing that Pittsburgh aims to remain a welcoming city for immigrants.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.