There is no true immigration documentation policy in Pleasantville, according to the chief of village police.

“When we have dealt with people without identification, we may need to take some added steps, such as fingerprinting or gaining additional information from a friend or family member, to make sure we know they are who they say they are,” said Chief Erik Grutzner. “However, we do not inquire about a person’s immigration status.”

In September, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino signed an executive order barring county employees from asking about most people’s immigration status. Earlier, he vetoed a bill by the Board of Legislators that would have provided additional protections to immigrants.

When it comes to law enforcement in Pleasantville, “we feel it is outside of our purview and don’t have a need to know,” Grutzner said. “It really does not come into play for us.”

“I believe that at the local level, everyone needs to feel comfortable in contacting the police, whether they are a victim or a witness, or just someone who is in need of assistance. I believe if people are made to feel that they cannot contact the police for fear of being detained or deported, we have created a whole new class of defenseless victims for the bad guys to prey upon.”​