Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos released surveillance footage of a recent traffic violation after a local immigrant advocacy organization questioned an officer’s reason for stopping one of its members.
Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos
El Pueblo Unido said the motorist was stopped at about 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, near Atlantic and Iowa avenues, close to the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building. The organization alleged that the encounter may have been connected to its efforts to document U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity throughout Atlantic County.
The group also alleged that the officer involved was assisting federal immigration authorities and announced plans to protest the stop.
Police disputed that account, saying the officer initiated the stop only after witnessing a dangerous traffic violation that placed others at risk. The driver was issued a motor vehicle summons, according to the department.
In response to the allegations, police released footage from a city surveillance camera that they said captured the violation leading to the stop. The department did not identify the driver or specify the summons that was issued.
Sarkos defended the officer’s actions, saying police have a responsibility to intervene when they witness driving that could endanger the public. He characterized the encounter as a routine enforcement action unrelated to immigration matters.
The chief also said the Police Department operates in accordance with the New Jersey attorney general’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits the circumstances under which state and local law enforcement agencies may assist federal immigration authorities.
El Pueblo Unido’s allegations and the Police Department’s response reflect heightened concern within immigrant communities over interactions between local police and federal immigration agencies.
