Laurel Police Department Issues Statement on FOIA Request

Laurel, DE - The Laurel Police Department recently released a statement addressing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The request specifically sought department correspondence containing the word "immigration."

This request was reviewed and fulfilled by the department. Subsequently, the released information became the subject of a news article (Not on Eastern Shore Undercover).

In response, Chief Robert F. Kracyla has provided a letter to offer transparency and clarity to the community regarding the matter.

That letter is copied and posted below in both word format and as a copy in the photos below:

"Several weeks ago, the Laurel Police Department received a Freedom of Information Act request seeking any department correspondence containing the word 'immigration'. That request was reviewed and fulfilled in accordance with Delaware law.

One of the emails referenced was a communication with a federal law enforcement partner. As with many situations involving public safety, the Laurel Police Department routinely shares information with state and federal agencies when we believe it may be relevant to their responsibilities.

The Laurel Police Department does not conduct immigration enforcement and does not have the authority to determine an individual's immigration status. Our role is limited to addressing local public safety concerns and, when appropriate, passing information to the proper agency for review.

At no time were individuals detained, questioned, or targeted by the Laurel Police Department based solely on immigration status. Any follow-up or action, if any, would fall under federal jurisdiction.

We remain committed to transparency, lawful policing, and maintaining the trust of the community we serve."