Statement on Bastrop Interfaith Meeting with Sheriff Cook
Bastrop Interfaith met with Sheriff Maurice Cook today and we believe this was a good first step in addressing the issues we have been concerned about. The Sheriff agreed to meet with Bastrop Interfaith on a regular basis and discuss issues of common concern around community safety and building trust within the community.
Sheriff Cook assured us that he has the discretionary authority to ticket in the case of minor traffic violations, and that the term “zero tolerance” does not refer to arresting for all infractions. He also assured us that he has not and will not target the Stony Point community but will enforce the law evenly across the county.
The Sheriff also recognized the trust that Bastrop Interfaith has with the community and we believe this work speaks to the importance of local organizing with congregations and civic institutions to address issues impacting the county.
While we did not agree on everything, we did agree that we will work closely together moving forward, and Bastrop Interfaith will closely monitor the enforcement of public safety and its impact on the community.
Consul: DPS Helped Bastrop Traffic Operation That Led to Deportations, Austin American Statesman
Sheriff Listens to Community's Concerns Following Traffic Operation, Spectrum
Bastrop Interfaith Speaks Out Against Deportations Stemming from Traffic Operation
[Statement excerpt below:]
"....on June 23, five deputies from the Sheriff's office appeared to be stationed at or near the Stoney Point community. People were stopped for speeding and DUI, which is appropriate. But they were also stopped for allegedly failing to use turn indicators, once for allegedly failing to use turn indicators within 500 feet of the intersection; for a broken or burnt out tail light; and for having mud on their license plate. These were very minor traffic infractions. To many, this appeared to be a targeted effort to locate and detain undocumented people. As previously reported, 23 Hispanics were arrested of which 13 were taken and moved into deportation proceedings.
By this action, which appears to have been against immigrants, the Sheriff has not increased people's confidence in law enforcement, which is what we had sought and strived to obtain in our prior dialogue with the Sheriff. This causes us serious concern and raises question of credibility in that dialogue...."
[Photo Credit: Ralph Barrera, Austin American Statesman]
Full Statement Here
'Zero Tolerance' Arrests Put 13 in ICE Custody, 'Had Nothing to Do With Immigration', Texas Sheriff Says, Miami Herald
El Aguacil del Condado Bastrop Rompe el Silencio Sobre el Operativo de Tránsito Donde Fueron Detenidos Varios Inmigrantes Indocumentados, Univision Austin
Faith Group Blasts Sheriff for Traffic Crackdown, Deportations, Austin American Statesman [pdf]
Bastrop Sheriff: Traffic Stop Had 'Nothing to Do with Immigration', Austin American Statesman
Residents Concerned After Traffic Arrests Lead to ICE Detentions, Spectrum News
Del Valle Neighborhood On Edge After Drivers Caught in Traffic Sting Are Turned Over to ICE, KUT 90.5
Líderes Religiosos de Bastrop Cuestionan Detenciones de Inmigrantes en Operativo de Tránsito, Univision
Bastrop Interfaith Leader Speaks Out Against Deportations Stemming from Traffic Operation, KVUE
Bastrop Interfaith Exige Un Fin a la Política de Cero Tolerancia en su Condado, Telemundo
Bastrop County Sheriff Defends Traffic Enforcement Sting, KXAN