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December 5, 2025
Clarification Regarding Associated Press Article and Photo Usage
On December 4, 2025, the Associated Press published an article which detailed immigration enforcement activities conducted in Benton County. This article was accompanied by a prominent photograph of a Springdale Police Department patrol vehicle.
I am issuing this statement to provide clarification and to address concerns this imagery has caused within our community. The use of a Springdale Police Department vehicle in a story regarding another law enforcement agency’s enforcement policies implies a connection that does not exist. It misleadingly suggests that our officers are actively engaged in the specific immigration enforcement operations described in the reporting.
To be clear: The Springdale Police Department was not the subject of this article, nor do they participate in the specific enforcement initiatives detailed therein.
The authority of our police officers is derived from the State of Arkansas.
It is important for our community to understand the distinction between state and federal law:
State Law: Our officers are sworn to enforce the criminal laws of the State of Arkansas.
Federal Law: Residency status and immigration violations are under federal jurisdiction.
Under Arkansas law, unlawful presence in the United States is not, by itself, a crime.
Consequently, our officers do not patrol for immigration violations, nor do they demand proof of citizenship from those encountered during routine community caretaking or criminal investigations.
Inter-Agency Assistance
The Springdale Police Department is a professional law enforcement agency. As such, they cooperate with partners at the local, state, and federal levels. When any law enforcement agency—including federal agencies—makes a lawful request for their assistance, they will assist them to ensure the safety of their officers and the public.
Commitment to Our Community
We recognize that to police effectively, we must have the trust and cooperation of all our residents. Victims of crime and witnesses to criminal activity must feel safe coming forward to speak with our officers.
If victims and witnesses believe that our officers are actively targeting them for deportation rather than protecting them from local crime, that trust is eroded, and everyone in Springdale becomes less safe.
We are committed to serving every person who lives, works, and visits Springdale with dignity and respect.
Sincerely,
Doug Sprouse, Mayor