287(g) Needs to be Fixed and Focused First
More Information
Needed to Ensure that Overhauled Program Means No More Abuses or Arpaios
Washington, DC - Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) announced plans to both revamp and expand 287(g), the program in
which the federal government authorizes local law enforcement to engage in
immigration enforcement. Below is a statement from Frank Sharry, Executive
Director of America's Voice:
"We are troubled that the federal government is expanding the 287(g) program
before proving that they can improve on its many flaws. At a time when
law enforcement is under siege from deep cuts in revenue, the last thing many
of our front line police want is to spend precious time and resources on
chasing busboys and landscapers. As implemented by the Bush
Administration, the 287(g) program has hurt the
practice of community policing and taken the focus away from real criminals."
"We support our law enforcement community and point to organizations such as
the Police Foundation and Major Cities Chiefs Association who have found that
287(g) has harmed community policing efforts by creating a gulf of distrust
between police and immigrant communities. The program also has been the
flimsy substantiation used by Sheriff Joe Arpaio to engage in racial profiling
and to terrorize the Latino community of Maricopa County, AZ."
"Properly implemented, 287(g) agreements would focus on serious criminal
behavior, not workers on their way to homes or jobs. However, last week's
announcement did not specify how the new 287(g) program would prevent future
abuses and future Joe Arpaios. The decision to expand the flawed program
before reining in these abuses is deeply disturbing."
"The Department of Homeland Security must put its money where its mouth is, and
revoke the 287(g) agreement with Sheriff Joe Arpaio, which goes against all
standards of fairness and effective community policing."
America's Voice -- Harnessing the power of American voices
and American values to win common sense immigration reform.
http://www.americasvoiceonline.org
###
Silent No More
Marxavi Angel Martinez came to America at the age of 3 with her parents. The family came to the U.S. on valid visas but stayed in America after establishing a good life for their family. Angel has never known a life outside of the United States. Read More
