A person initially arrested by Culver City police on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of a controlled substance, and later released on a promise-to-appear citation, was taken into custody Monday by federal authorities.
Officers with the Culver City Police Department arrested the person Sunday following a traffic collision investigation, according to police.
During the investigation, the responding officers determined that the person was driving under the influence of alcohol, in possession of a controlled substance and an illegal weapon.
The person was taken into custody and booked at the Culver City Police Department jail but was released Monday on a promise-to-appear citation and escorted off the department’s property, where federal authorities later detained the person near the front of the station.
“Culver City police personnel were not notified in advance that federal authorities intended to take this action, and CCPD officers did not assist with or participate in the detention,” police said in a statement.
Police officials emphasized the importance of the public being aware that the department does not involve itself in immigration enforcement, noting that CCPD follows state laws, including the California Values Act, and local policies that prohibit the use of department resources to assist federal immigration authorities.
“The Culver City Police Department focuses on enforcing state and local laws and protecting the safety of everyone in our community, regardless of immigration status,” police said.
“We remain committed to maintaining trust with our community and want residents to feel safe contacting the Culver City Police Department to report crimes, seek help, or cooperate with investigations without fear that local police will be involved in immigration enforcement.”