Key Takeaways:
- President Trump is expanding the 287(g) program, allowing local police to act as immigration agents, increasing agreements from 135 to 628 across 40 states.
- Proponents argue it aids in securing borders and reducing crime, while critics warn it erodes trust between police and immigrant communities.
- Historical precedents, like mass deportations during the Great Depression and Eisenhower’s era, show past issues with community trust and civil rights.
- Police departments in cities like LA and Chicago have chosen not to enforce immigration laws to build trust, essential for effective crime prevention.
- Studies indicate that such programs do not reduce crime, and experts caution against undermining community policing efforts.
The Expansion of 287(g): A Security Measure? President Trump’s expansion of the 287(g) program aims to enhance border security and reduce crime by involving local police in immigration enforcement. This program, established in 1996, has seen rapid growth, with agreements skyrocketing from 135 to 628 since January 2025. Supporters, like Sheriff T.K. Waters, believe it’s crucial for combating drug issues and securing borders.
Historical Insights and Concerns Historically, large-scale deportations, such as those during the Great Depression and the 1950s Operation Wetback, often led to the deportation of U.S. citizens and eroded community trust. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office faced criticism for unconstitutional actions targeting Latinos. These historical events highlight the delicate balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting civil rights.
Police Chiefs on Building Trust Major city police departments, including Los Angeles and Chicago, have opted out of immigration enforcement to foster trust within immigrant communities. Chiefs like William Bratton and experts like George Kelling emphasize that immigration enforcement distracts from public safety priorities. They argue that trust is vital for crime prevention, as communities are more likely to report crimes when they trust the police.
The Crime Debate: Facts vs. Perceptions Despite Trump’s rhetoric linking immigrants to higher crime rates, studies show undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes than citizens. Research from the Cato Institute and other studies found no evidence that programs like 287(g) reduce crime. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in enhancing safety.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balance The debate surrounding 287(g) centers on security versus community trust. While the program aims to enforce immigration laws, critics caution against its potential to undermine police-community relations and public safety. As the program expands, the challenge remains to balance law enforcement with the need to maintain trust and ensure safety for all community members.