LAPD: Fear Of Deportation Keeping Latinos From Reporting Sex Crimes
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — Reports of sexual assaults and domestic violence among Los Angeles' Latino population have plummeted since the beginning of the year, amid fears that immigrants in the country illegally could face deportation if they interact with police or appear in court, the city's police chief said.
Since the beginning of 2017, rape reports have dropped 25 percent and domestic violence reports have decreased by 10 percent among Latinos, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck said Tuesday. Similar decreases weren't seen in other ethnic groups, he said.
"Imagine your sister, your mother, not reporting a sexual assault for fear that their family will be torn apart," Beck said Tuesday.
Around the nation, President Donald Trump's efforts to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living illegally in the U.S. have sparked fear and anxiety, leading many people to try to avoid any contact with law enforcement.
The #LAPD depends on the trust of the residents of Los Angeles. Documented or undocumented- today we pledged to stand with you. pic.twitter.com/kngAc4jHrQ
— Chief Charlie Beck (@LAPDChiefBeck) March 22, 2017
Beck said there was a "strong correlation" between the timing of the decreased reporting and fears of accelerated efforts to round up and deport immigrants.
Josh Rubenstein, a Los Angeles police spokesman, said the numbers were "concerning" and that the department is continuing to look at "every element contributing to the drop in reporting."
Advocates say the unease among immigrants is forcing the victims of violent crimes to stay silent.
"We are seeing immigrant families potentially being so afraid of the ultimate punishment, which deportation represents, that they may forego their chances of justice," said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, of the immigrant advocacy group CHIRLA. "We do not want to be in a situation where victims of crimes remain silent because they fear deportation. That's just horrible and unthinkable."
Marking the city's "Day of Immigration Action," Mayor Eric Garcetti also signed an executive order asking city officials, including fire chiefs and the chiefs of the airport and port police forces, to follow the LAPD's policy of not investigating people to determine their immigration status.
Later that night, Garcetti spoke to an overflow crowd at Dolores Mission Parish in Boyle Heights to reassure residents that they will not be deported for reporting crimes.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)