Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini has raised concerns about the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following a disputed traffic stop in late January. In an email to ICE representative Jason Knight, Silvestrini described the agents’ behavior as “unprofessional and potentially criminal.”
The situation unfolded when ICE agents alleged that a driver intentionally swerved toward them in an apparent attempt to sideswipe their vehicle. However, when officers from the Unified Police Department (UPD) arrived to investigate, they reportedly found no basis for the agents’ claims.
In his email, Silvestrini urged ICE to conduct an internal review of the incident and consider disciplinary measures for what he described as “false statements” made by the agents to law enforcement. He also criticized ICE for unnecessarily diverting police resources from both Millcreek and neighboring Murray.
“Your officers demanded urgent assistance for what seems to be nothing more than an overreaction to a citizen’s free speech,” Silvestrini wrote. “While disrespect toward law enforcement is unfortunate, professional officers handle such situations without escalating them. This incident suggests either inadequate training or conduct that tarnishes the reputation of law enforcement as a whole.”
Silvestrini also pointed out that two of the three ICE agents declined to provide witness statements, raising further concerns about their credibility.
In response, an ICE spokesperson emphasized the agency’s commitment to integrity and ethical behavior, stating that the majority of ICE employees perform their duties with professionalism.
“ICE takes all allegations of employee misconduct seriously,” the agency said in a statement. “Such claims are thoroughly investigated, and any employee found to have engaged in wrongdoing will be held accountable. ICE fully cooperates with law enforcement agencies in such matters.”
The agency declined to comment further on the incident.
While Silvestrini acknowledged the importance of ICE’s role in apprehending violent offenders, he expressed strong opposition to any actions that violate civil rights, disrupt lawful activities, or unnecessarily strain local resources. He also requested to be kept informed about any disciplinary action taken against the agents involved.
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