LAWRENCE — Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield is speaking out following reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city on Thursday. In a statement released by the City of Lawrence, Mayor Whitfield said ICE did not contact her office ahead of any enforcement activity and that she shares the concerns of community members regarding ICE’s presence in Lawrence. “Lawrence is a welcoming community, a city of broad shoulders,” Whitfield said in the statement. “Our Administration remains committed to public safety and to making sure every neighbor feels welcome, respected, and safe.” The mayor also addressed how local law enforcement is handling the situation, noting that the City of Lawrence has a clear policy governing how the Lawrence Police Department interacts with federal immigration authorities. “We will continue to follow that policy, provide accurate information, and serve our entire community with professionalism and dignity,” Whitfield said. WISH-TV received unconfirmed viewer tips reporting ICE activity near the area of 21st Street and Post Road on Thursday. We are working to independently verify those reports. This is a developing story. ...read more read less