San Diego police chief lays out separation between SDPD and ICE

The Rotary Club of La Jolla hosted San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl at its March 10 meeting as he spoke about his team’s role in the community, pointing out that it does not include enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Meanwhile, the club is continuing its contributions to a fire station fundraising project.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest Rotary happenings.

Chief explains SDPD and ICE dynamic

Wahl discussed his department’s priorities and attempted to clarify the differences between its operations and those of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Wahl, who led SDPD’s Northern Division, which includes La Jolla, as a captain in 2021-22 and took over as chief in 2024 following the retirement of former chief David Nisleit, said he has three main goals for the department: Build trust, develop leaders and be efficient and effective with the resources allotted. Its overarching job, he added, is to provide stability and structure “when things are out of control and there’s chaos.”

Several questions from people at the meeting were directed toward the Police Department’s role — or lack thereof — in ICE operations.

San Diego police do not enforce federal immigration laws and are subject to state regulations. California Senate Bill 54 “prohibits SDPD officers from investigating, detaining or arresting people based solely on their immigration status,” according to the city of San Diego.

SDPD officers are not allowed to ask about immigration status, participate in immigration enforcement or assist with immigration arrests. They are responsible for answering calls for emergency help and providing information as available to elected officials about the details and circumstances of calls.

Wahl described the department’s role as “apolitical,” though he added it’s an increasingly fine line to walk.

“Obviously this is a very polarizing issue with many different views,” Wahl said. “I’m sorry the way this is impacting families and folks that have been in this country for many, many years. I wish there was something I could do to change that. But I am very cautious to make sure I’m not in my role creating or making this … Police Department a pawn in a political battle.”

“They [ICE] have their areas of responsibility, we have our areas of responsibility,” Wahl said. “Unfortunately, right now during this tough time, we all get painted with the same broad brush.”

Wahl told the La Jolla Light after the meeting that it’s unsurprising that immigration enforcement is a topic of local interest given San Diego’s proximity to the U.S./Mexico border.

“It’s a tough issue, and it’s really tough to be succinct and to the point [and] have people understand all the different layers,” he said. “I understand people want us to do something. And I want to be able to do something. But in many respects, there’s not much we can do.”

Wahl said he was unaware of any ICE-related calls SDPD may have received in La Jolla, though areas such as Linda Vista, South Park and Mission Valley have been affected.

Fire Station 16 fundraising

An ongoing effort to renovate San Diego Fire Station 16 on Mount Soledad in La Jolla continues to gain steam and is now about $45,000 from its fundraising target, Rotarian Cindy Goodman told the Light.

The city approved a Phase 1 revitalization plan shepherded by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club to replace walls and doors in the station’s sleeping areas, along with other improvements.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation and the Rotary Club of La Jolla have teamed with Sunrise Rotary in an agreement that if the Rotarians come up with the money and materials for the project, the city will provide the labor.

The Fire-Rescue Department says Fire Station 16 was built in 1982 and hasn’t had any major renovations since, instead receiving small upgrades. Renovating the station will enable firefighters to have better sleep, privacy and living standards, project organizers say.

The overall funding target is $175,000. But with more than $130,000 collected so far, the clubs should be able to cover construction and temporary housing costs, Goodman said. Now they are awaiting city guidance on temporary trailers that meet requirements.

“The community has been wonderful about supporting the project to provide decent housing for our firefighters, and all those involved are very grateful,” Goodman said.

Kiwanis and Rotary joint meeting to feature S.D. council president

Less than a month after he held a town hall meeting at the La Jolla Recreation Center, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, whose District 1 includes La Jolla, is scheduled to deliver a city update at a Rotary Club meeting later this month.

The meeting, a joint effort including the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, will begin at noon Tuesday, March 24, at the La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St.

Hot topics at LaCava’s March 4 town hall included area speed limits, city budget issues and continuing infrastructure projects. ♦