287(g)

Definition

287(g) refers to a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal immigration authorities to enforce immigration laws. This program enables designated state or local police officers to perform the functions of federal immigration officers, which often leads to increased cooperation between state and federal entities in deportation efforts. However, this collaboration has raised concerns regarding racial profiling and police brutality, particularly against minority communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 287(g) program was established in 1996 as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, aiming to assist local law enforcement in immigration enforcement.
2. This program has been controversial because it can lead to racial profiling, where minorities are disproportionately targeted for questioning or arrest based solely on their appearance.
3. Police departments that adopt 287(g) agreements often face backlash from community members who fear increased policing will lead to mistrust between residents and law enforcement.
4. Critics argue that 287(g) can divert police resources from addressing local crime issues to focus on immigration enforcement instead.
5. Some jurisdictions have chosen to terminate their 287(g) agreements due to concerns over civil rights violations and the negative impact on community relations.

Review Questions

• How does the 287(g) program impact the relationship between local law enforcement and immigrant communities?
  • The 287(g) program can create a tense relationship between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, as it often leads to fear and mistrust. Immigrants may hesitate to report crimes or cooperate with police due to concerns about being questioned about their immigration status. This dynamic can undermine public safety as community members might avoid engaging with authorities out of fear of deportation or racial profiling.
• What are the potential consequences of implementing the 287(g) program for state and local police agencies?
  • Implementing the 287(g) program can have several consequences for state and local police agencies. While it may increase federal cooperation in immigration matters, it can also lead to accusations of racial profiling and civil rights violations. Additionally, local departments might find themselves under scrutiny from civil rights organizations and community members, leading to a loss of trust which is essential for effective policing.
• Evaluate the implications of the 287(g) program on systemic issues like racial profiling and police brutality within immigrant communities.
  • The implications of the 287(g) program on systemic issues like racial profiling and police brutality are significant. By empowering local law enforcement to act as immigration agents, it blurs the line between public safety and immigration enforcement, which can exacerbate discriminatory practices. The risk of racial profiling increases as officers may target individuals based on their appearance rather than behavior, leading to an uptick in police brutality cases against marginalized groups. This creates a cycle of distrust and fear, further marginalizing immigrant communities and hindering their integration into society.

Related terms

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): The federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing immigration laws and investigating customs violations.

Racial Profiling: The practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than any specific evidence of wrongdoing.

Community Policing:

A policing strategy that focuses on building positive relationships between law enforcement and community members to enhance public safety and trust.