The Mayor of Rochester and the city’s Police Chief have publicly reprimanded local officers after they responded to a call for backup from U.S. Border Patrol agents without prior approval from department leadership.
The incident occurred earlier this week when federal agents operating in the region reportedly encountered a volatile situation and requested immediate assistance. Several Rochester police officers responded to the scene and provided support. While no injuries were reported, the local officers’ involvement sparked swift backlash from city leadership.
Mayor Malik Evans and Police Chief David Smith expressed concern that the officers had engaged in federal enforcement activity outside the scope of their departmental responsibilities. In a joint statement, they emphasized that collaboration with federal agencies—especially those involving immigration enforcement—must be reviewed and approved by command staff in advance.
Officials argued that unapproved cooperation with Border Patrol could undermine community trust and contradict city policies designed to separate local policing from federal immigration efforts. Rochester has previously adopted a stance discouraging local participation in immigration enforcement, citing concerns over racial profiling and the chilling effect on immigrant communities.
The officers involved have not been disciplined, but an internal review is underway to determine whether departmental procedures were violated. City leaders stressed that the review will focus on ensuring accountability and preventing similar actions in the future.
The Border Patrol has not commented on the criticism but acknowledged that a request for assistance was made during an active situation.
The incident has reignited debate over the role of local police in federal operations and whether responding to emergency backup requests should be subject to political scrutiny. Community groups are expected to weigh in as the investigation progresses.