The Negative Consequences of Entangling Local Policing and Immigration Enforcement

"The Negative Consequences of Entangling Local Policing and Immigration Enforcement" briefly discusses the costs that local jurisdictions may incur if, in the face of threats by the Trump administration, they adopt policies to assist the federal government in immigration enforcement. Having local police enforce immigration laws will damage relations between law enforcement and immigrant communities; such a development runs counter to good community policing practice. The agreements between the federal government and local enforcement agencies (known as 287(g) agreements) have proven to be expensive for jurisdictions to implement. Not only are there increased personnel and other costs associated with helping the federal government enforce immigration laws, but some agencies have been sued for racial profiling. By contrast, jurisdictions that have policies limiting their cooperation with federal immigration agents have lower crime rates and enjoy lower risk from unlawful detention litigation. Ultimately, the administration's threats to punish "sanctuary" jurisdictions may be hollow, as they may not withstand legal challenges. (Maurice Belanger, Maurice Belanger Associates)

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