HAMBURG, N.Y. — Hamburg Police Officer Peter Randall has received a reprimand following an internal investigation that revealed a violation of department protocols during an immigration arrest he assisted with while working alongside federal agents. The incident was captured on Randall’s body-worn camera.
The events unfolded on December 11, 2025, when border patrol agents pursued a gray pickup truck through Hamburg. According to federal documents obtained by the 7News I-Team, the vehicle was linked to an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who had previously been deported from the United States.
After losing track of the truck, authorities found it parked at a shopping center on McKinley Parkway. Federal officials sought assistance from Department of Homeland Security personnel, leading the Hamburg Police Department to intervene as the truck attempted to leave the area.
Although the Hamburg Police Department does not enforce immigration laws, its policy permits officers to assist federal agencies when requested. However, the way Officer Randall engaged in the operation raised significant concerns about adherence to established protocols.
Body Camera Footage Reveals Breaches
Body camera recordings obtained by the 7 News I-Team through a Freedom of Information Act request show Randall muting his microphone as he discussed with another officer his involvement in the federal immigration task.
Upon approaching the stopped truck, federal agents were already questioning the driver, who was ultimately identified as a U.S. citizen and was hesitant to provide his identification.
In a surprising move, Randall retrieved a tire deflator from his patrol car, referring to it as a “stick,” and placed it against the truck’s rear tire. He then called the station for backup, informing them he was assisting the Border Patrol.
As federal agents began questioning a passenger in the back seat, that individual attempted to flee, prompting Randall to brandish a Taser while issuing threats to both the driver and the passenger.
Violations of Department Protocol
Hamburg Police Chief Peter Dienes stated that he was unaware of the incident until inquiries led him to review the case.
“We respond to 3,000 calls a month, so such incidents may not always come to my attention,” Dienes explained.
Documentation of the police department’s policies, acquired by the 7 News I-Team, indicates that while the police chief has the authority to offer assistance to federal bodies, the shift supervisor must delegate appropriate responses to external requests.
When asked whether Randall’s actions had been authorized by a shift supervisor, Dienes confirmed they were not, noting that the supervisor arrived “after the fact.” Following the apprehension of the migrants, they were placed into the custody of the Border Patrol. Body camera footage captured Randall apologizing to a lieutenant about the incident.
Assessment of Randall’s Disciplinary Record
Randall, now in his sixth year on the force, has a history of three disciplinary issues, two of which led to official actions, including a three-day suspension in 2024 for a “failure to decline” a conflict of interest situation.
Former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn, who is not directly involved in this investigation, expressed concerns about Randall’s credibility due to his disciplinary record. Flynn highlighted the necessity of adhering to department protocols for both organizational efficiency and public safety.
“It’s essential for maintaining a safe community. When procedures are not followed, it’s a concern for the department and its residents,” Flynn remarked.
Despite Randall’s violations, Dienes maintains that he is qualified for his role, emphasizing that the police department is committed to serving the community effectively. He noted that if federal agents had made a 911 call for assistance, they would have dispatched officers accordingly.
Randall did not respond to any requests for comment on the matter. Federal officials remarked that this incident is classified as a federal immigration enforcement issue. The illegal immigrant involved in this case has pleaded guilty to re-entering the country after deportation, awaiting a ruling in July regarding potential deportation.
