Trump expands local immigration enforcement program; NH not participating

Soon after taking office, President Trump issued an executive order expanding a program that trains state and local law enforcement to carry out federal immigration enforcement duties.

The program, called 287(g), includes four weeks of training for officers who are then deputized to investigate the immigration status of anyone they arrest.  The officers can also begin the deportation process.

Trump’s executive order reinstates an older version of the program that also lets officers investigate the immigration status of anyone they come in contact with, not just people they arrest.

No New Hampshire law enforcement agencies currently participate in 287(g), but three agencies in Massachusetts participate.  Any law enforcement agency in New Hampshire could choose to apply for the program in the future.

Supporters of 287(g) argue that local law enforcement should be the first line of defense against illegal immigration. 

State and local law enforcement can also help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prioritize deportations based on whether or not an immigrant has committed a crime. 

Opponents of 287(g) note that the federal government does not pay for any of the time officers spend in training or enforcing federal immigration laws.  Local taxpayers end up footing the bill for federal immigration enforcement duties.

Other opponents argue that 287(g) encourages racial profiling in arrests and makes immigrant populations less likely to help police investigate crimes.  The American Civil Liberties Union has supported many lawsuits against 287(g).

Would you like your local law enforcement agency to participate in 287(g)?  Share your opinion in the comments below.