"As your Police Chief, I have always believed that this role is not one of political motivation, nor is there room for political grandstanding."

 

Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens just sent out a letter.

Eureka Residents, Community Members, and Local Businesses, As your Police Chief, I have always believed that this role is not one of political motivation, nor is there room for political grandstanding. 

My responsibility, and the reason I sought and accepted this position, is to provide the highest level of service to everyone who calls Eureka home, as well as those who visit to enjoy all that our city has to offer. 

My role is to protect both our community and the members of the Eureka Police Department. EPD responds to all calls for service and requests for assistance. When we arrive, we assess each situation carefully and act in accordance with the law. This work includes keeping the peace, investigating crimes, preparing reports, and submitting those reports to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review and potential prosecution.

With respect to immigration enforcement, it is important for our community to understand EPD’s role. The Eureka Police Department does not enforce civil immigration laws. We do not ask about a person’s immigration status during contacts or enforcement actions, do not participate in immigration detainers or holds, and do not transfer individuals in our custody to immigration authorities unless required by a judicial warrant or judicial probable cause determination. EPD does not collaborate with or share immigration-related information with federal immigration authorities unless required by state or federal law, nor do we assist federal agencies with immigration enforcement activities. 

Our actions are guided by California law, including SB 54the California Values Act, EPD Policy 428 (Immigration Violations), and the City of Eureka’s Sanctuary City resolution. In March of 2024, all EPD personnel received training on these laws and policies and formally acknowledged their understanding and responsibility to follow them. This is ongoing training that will occur annually. 

As a veteran of the United States Army, having served to protect our country and the rights we all enjoy, I strongly believe in the First Amendment. I fully support community members who choose to express themselves through peaceful protests and gatherings. For more than a year, EPD has been present at nearly all such events, monitoring, engaging, and ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved. We do not take sides on the issues being expressed. Our role is to ensure that all individuals have equal and safe opportunities to peacefully exercise their rights. 

That said, EPD does not support violence, vandalism, rioting, or any criminal or reckless behavior that places community members or officers at risk. We are grateful for the positive engagement we have experienced at recent events and for the overwhelmingly peaceful manner in which community voices have been shared. These gatherings demonstrate that it is possible to stand together, speak out, and be heard without resorting to actions that cause harm or division. I encourage our community to continue setting this example, showing that you can have a voice, stand in solidarity, and advocate for change while keeping one another safe. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. 

The Eureka Police Department operates within clearly defined legal boundaries, and our authority is guided by state law, department policy, and the Constitution. We will continue to follow California law as written, including those laws that define and limit our role in immigration enforcement, regardless of external pressure or public debate. Our primary responsibility, always, is public safety. 

That means protecting life, preserving peace, and responding to calls for service without bias, favoritism, or consideration of political viewpoints. We do not choose sides, and we do not make decisions based on ideology.  We act based on the law, the facts before us, and our duty to this community. It is also important to be clear about the limits of our authority. 

The Eureka Police Department cannot and will not act outside the scope of our legal responsibilities. When matters fall beyond our jurisdiction or authority, we defer to the appropriate legal processes and agencies, as required by law. EPD remains committed to serving all members of our community with professionalism, respect, and fairness. Our focus will remain on lawful policing, community safety, and maintaining the trust placed in us by those we serve. We will continue to listen, engage, and act with transparency, guided not by politics, but by the law and our obligation to the people of Eureka. Godspeed, Brian Stephens Language Access: 

To ensure broad access, this letter is available in Spanish and Hmong on the City of Eureka website.  

https://www.eurekaca.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/337