GENEVA — An incident Friday morning involving federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents working in the city prompted a response from Geneva Police Chief Ron Eveland.
In a letter sent to the general public and posted online, Eveland said ICE agents had attempted to stop a motor vehicle on Pulteney Street, which led to the federal vehicle being struck. Two suspects were placed in custody by ICE, and one fled the area on foot, which led to a foot chase involving ICE agents.
Here is what Eveland said in the letter:
“On Feb. 20, 2026, at 7:13 am, the Geneva Police Department was dispatched to the area of Pulteney Street and Milton Street for the report of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle being rammed by a suspect vehicle. The Geneva Police Department did not receive prior notification that ICE was operating within the city. Often times, we will receive notification of an outside agency working within the city, but that is a courtesy and is not required by law. It was learned that ICE agents had attempted to stop a motor vehicle on Pulteney Street, which led to a federal vehicle being struck. Two suspects were placed in custody by ICE, and one fled the area on foot, which led to a foot chase with ICE agents.
“Geneva police officers responded to the scene and assisted with completing a motor vehicle accident report and the towing of the suspect vehicle to a safe and secure area. We did not assist in any apprehension, detention, or questioning of individuals. Following the arrest of the three individuals, ICE responded to the Public Safety Building to await an exchange slip for the motor vehicle accident report and to debrief the incident. Our facilities were not used to hold or interrogate any individual in custody by ICE agents.
“Members of the public have contacted my office directly this morning with concern over the Geneva Police Department’s involvement and use of the Public Safety Building parking lot. Our parking lot is a public space and I will not restrict the use of the public lot by any federal law enforcement agency. There were also reports that ICE agents were entering the Public Safety Building. This was done to utilize the public restrooms, which I am also not going to restrict.
“The Geneva Police Department policy is that we will not assist ICE with the enforcement of someone’s civil immigration status by sharing of information, detaining, or questioning. We will respond to any calls for assistance by a federal law enforcement agency, which includes ICE, as well as any calls for assistance by members of the community. We will respond to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved and to maintain public order. We will assist ICE with their investigations so long as it is accompanied by a judicial warrant signed by a federal magistrate.”