A lieutenant with the San Francisco Fire Department is currently under investigation following comments he made online that appeared to support federal immigration enforcement. The officer, David Waters, reacted to a news story detailing a controversial immigration operation in Oakland, expressing a desire for increased deportations.
On November 19, 2023, an incident unfolded in West Oakland when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle reportedly collided with a pregnant woman’s car during a high-speed chase. The chase was aimed at apprehending a man who had allegedly attempted to evade arrest after dropping a child off at an elementary school. Fortunately, the pregnant woman was unharmed, but the event has sparked significant public concern.
Waters commented on an Instagram post from SFGate regarding this incident, using a GIF that read “Gotta catch ‘em all!” alongside a depiction of the Pokémon character Pikachu. This sparked backlash from social media users, including one who remarked it would be unfortunate if the fire department received calls about the lieutenant’s perceived racism.
In response, Waters defended his stance, questioning how his support for deportations equated to racism. He stated, “You don’t get to enter a country illegally then complain when you’re told to leave or detained and forced to leave!” His comments have since been deleted, and his social media profiles have undergone significant changes, including a shift in his LinkedIn profile which now identifies him as a landscape photographer.
Waters has been a member of the San Francisco Fire Department for over a decade. Records from Transparent California indicate that his most recent salary was approximately $319,625.98, which included $264,773.96 in pay along with additional benefits. His name has appeared in the department’s payroll records dating back to 2009.
The San Francisco Fire Department is taking the matter seriously. Lt. Mariano Elias issued a statement confirming the investigation. “The comments made by an off-duty employee do not reflect the values and principles of the San Francisco Fire Department,” he stated. Elias emphasized the department’s commitment to serving all community members, regardless of their immigration status, and reinforced that the organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Elias also noted that disciplinary measures could be forthcoming as the department seeks to uphold its policies and values. As of now, Waters has not responded to requests for further comment regarding the situation.
The incident has not only raised questions about individual conduct within public service but also about the broader implications of immigration enforcement in local communities. The San Francisco Fire Department’s ongoing investigation will likely draw attention from both the community and advocacy groups concerned with immigration issues.
