Vincent Gray (Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- DC Mayor Vincent Gray signed an executive order on Wednesday instructing police and other city agencies not to help identify illegal immigrants for ICE or other federal agencies.
The Mayor's press release says "The District's public-safety officials will not inquire into the immigration status of individuals or transmit information about immigration status to federal agencies except when that status pertains directly to a criminal investigation."
"The order directs District public-safety officials not to detain individuals on the basis of immigration status. It also bars District agencies from making incarcerated youth and adults under their supervision available for federal immigration interviews without a court order."
DC Officials estimate there are between seven and ten thousand undocumented workers in the city.
Police Officials say the Mayor's order will ease tensions in the community and convince undocumented people to co-operate in criminal investigations without fear of deportation.