(KNSI) – St. Cloud Police Chief Jeff Oxton is urging residents to stop following vehicles they suspect are operated by federal immigration and customs officers, citing growing public safety concerns and the risk of traffic collisions.
In a statement released Tuesday, Oxton said his department has received multiple reports of community members tailing vehicles they believe belong to federal agents, though in many cases, they are not. Officers also report instances of people following actual federal agents while driving carelessly or distracted.
Police say these behaviors significantly increase the risk of traffic accidents and pose dangers to everyone.
Beyond traffic safety, St. Cloud police said the activity has created risks for local law enforcement officers conducting routine duties unrelated to immigration enforcement. Oxton says St. Cloud police officers have been followed and confronted while conducting enforcement activities unrelated to immigration, including arrests for weapon violations and drug sales.
The department warned that such encounters increase the risk of misunderstandings and potential harm to officers, bystanders, and those involved in enforcement actions.
According to a press release, police acknowledged that community members and organizations have response teams to monitor federal immigration activity in the area and respect their First Amendment rights to engage in advocacy and express their views.
However, the department emphasized that following vehicles, regardless of intent, can be dangerous and potentially illegal. Those who engage in distracted or careless driving or interfere with officers may face traffic citations or criminal charges.
Police are asking residents not to engage in these tactics and said their goal in releasing the statement was to be transparent about the calls they are receiving and the safety concerns they are observing.
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