The City of Golden Valley believes in and stands for the values of social equity, inclusion, and justice. The City’s Welcome Statement expresses dedication “to being a supportive and united community, strengthened by the diversity of our residents and visitors. We embrace diversity and recognize the rights of individuals to live their lives with dignity, free of discrimination, fear, violence, and hate.”
In accordance with the City Council’s adopted policy to guide Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) activity with immigrant populations, the GVPD does not enforce federal immigration laws. More specifically, the policy prohibits officers from:
- stopping or detaining any individual, for any length of time, solely for determining immigration status
- stopping any individual, for any length of time, for a civil violation of federal immigration laws or a related civil warrant
- notifying federal immigration officials when booking arrestees at a county jail facility
- continuing to detain any individual who is otherwise ready to be released solely for the purpose of notifying federal immigration officials
There is no reason any City staff person needs to know or inquire about immigration status.
“In times of uncertainty, we choose unity and lead with love,” said Golden Valley Mayor Roslyn Harmon. “Golden Valley is a community where every person deserves and will receive safety, dignity, care, and compassion."