(SAN JOSE) San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph released an AI-generated video on August 5, 2025, to assure residents—especially immigrants—that the police department does not enforce immigration laws. The video, delivered in Spanish, aims to encourage everyone to report crimes without fear, as the city sees a drop in crime reporting among immigrants.
Chief Joseph’s message comes at a time when many in San Jose’s immigrant communities worry about deportation and hesitate to contact police. The department’s new approach uses artificial intelligence to translate and deliver the chief’s words directly in Spanish, with plans to expand to other languages like Vietnamese. This effort is part of a broader push to build trust and keep all residents safe, regardless of their immigration status.
Key Details of the AI-Generated Video
- **Release Date:** August 5, 2025
- **Language:** Spanish (with plans for more languages)
- **Message:** “The San José Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement. Our mission is public safety for everyone.”
- **Technology:** AI converts Chief Joseph’s voice into Spanish, making the message feel more personal and direct.
The San Jose police chief stresses that officers do not arrest or detain people based only on their immigration status. Officers also do not ask about immigration status when responding to or investigating crimes. This policy is not new, but the department is now using technology to make sure everyone hears and understands it.
Why the Video Matters Now
Over the past six months, San Jose has seen fewer reports of domestic violence and sexual assault. Chief Joseph believes this drop is partly because people fear police might enforce immigration laws or share information with federal authorities. By using an AI-generated video, the department hopes to reach more people in their own language and reassure them that their safety comes first.
Recent City Council Actions and Policy Changes
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Resolution No. RES2025-19 (February 4, 2025):
- Reaffirms that San Jose police officers will not arrest people just for being in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status.
- States that undocumented immigrants should not fear arrest or deportation for reporting crimes or contacting city workers.
- Prohibits city employees from helping with immigration enforcement actions that target residents based only on their immigration status.
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Funding for Immigrant Defense (July 2025):
- The City Council approved $1 million for immigrant defense groups, including the Rapid Response Network, which helps families facing immigration problems.
Community and Official Reactions
| Person/Group | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Chief Paul Joseph | He says using AI lets him speak directly to residents in their own language, which helps build trust. “It’s important for people to hear from me, not just a translator,” he explains. |
| Mayor Matt Mahan | He supports the use of AI, calling it a caring and creative way to break down language barriers and help everyone feel safe with the police. |
| Community Advocates | Some, like Laurie Valdez from Silicon Valley De-Bug, worry that AI-generated messages may not feel as real or respectful as hearing from a native Spanish-speaking officer or a human translator. They say the way a message is delivered matters, especially on sensitive topics like immigration laws. |
| District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz | He has proposed a rule that would require ICE agents to wear clear identification during operations in San Jose. He says this is needed because some agents hide their identities, which scares people and makes them less likely to trust law enforcement. |
What This Means for San Jose Residents
- No Fear for Reporting Crimes: Everyone, no matter their immigration status, is encouraged to report crimes and talk to the police. The department’s policy is clear: they do not help enforce federal immigration laws.
- More Support for Immigrants: The city is putting more money into programs that help immigrants, such as legal defense and rapid response services.
- Multilingual Outreach: The AI video is just the start. If people like it, the police plan to use AI to communicate in more languages, making sure everyone gets important information.
Procedural Details and What’s Next
- Pilot Program: The AI video is a test. If it works well, the department will use AI for more languages and topics.
- ICE Identification Proposal: The City Council will discuss Councilmember Ortiz’s idea about ICE agent identification in mid-August 2025.
- Public Records: The city’s policies and resolutions are available for anyone to read, showing a commitment to transparency.
Background and Broader Context
San Jose has a long history of not working with federal immigration enforcement. This approach is meant to build trust and keep everyone safe, especially in a city where many people come from different countries. Recent national news about possible mass deportations has made some residents even more afraid to talk to police. City leaders hope their clear, repeated message will help ease these fears.
Resources for Immigrants and Community Members
- San Jose Police Department: Official SJPD website
- City Resolutions and Records: San Jose public records
- Immigrant Support Services: Groups like Amigos de Guadalupe, SIREN, and the Rapid Response Network offer help and information. Contact details are available on city and nonprofit websites.
- Reporting Concerns: Residents can reach out to Joyce Chu at [email protected] or @joyce_speaks on X for more information or to share concerns.
Expert and Community Analysis
Experts and city officials agree that speaking to people in their own language is key to building trust and keeping the city safe. In a diverse place like San Jose, this kind of outreach can make a big difference. However, some community leaders say it’s important not to rely only on technology. They want the city to keep investing in human connections and personal outreach, especially when talking about sensitive issues like immigration laws.
Looking Ahead
The city will watch closely to see how people respond to the AI-generated video. If it helps more people feel safe and willing to report crimes, the program may grow. The City Council will also revisit rules about immigration enforcement, including the proposal for ICE agents to wear identification.
Takeaways for Residents and Immigrants
- **You can report crimes without fear of immigration consequences.**
- **San Jose police do not enforce federal immigration laws.**
- **The city is working to make information available in more languages.**
- **Support is available for immigrants facing legal or safety issues.**
For more information about immigration laws and your rights, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, clear communication and strong community support are essential for keeping everyone safe and informed in cities with large immigrant populations.
San Jose’s approach shows a commitment to making sure all residents—no matter where they come from—can trust the police and get help when they need it.
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