ICE Discontinues 287(g) in 2013
Author: Law Office of Alena Shautsova
The 287(g) program derives its name from 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The 287(g) program is a part of the ICE ACCESS (Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security) program, which is an overall program that provides local law enforcement officers assistance through ICE collaboration. The 287(g) program was a partnership between ICE and local authorities where local officers received training so they could enforce immigration law. The idea behind the collaboration was that local officials are often first responders in attacks against the United States, national security or public safety. ICE was allowed to extend its functions through local police who would act under ICE supervision when investigating violent crimes, gang crimes, human smuggling, drug smuggling and money laundering that involved illegal immigrants. The program was a cross-designated effort to apprehend suspects who were also illegal immigrants.
Recently, ICE released a public announcement that it will not renew 287(g) partnerships with local authorities in 2013. The reason ICE gave was that other enforcement programs, such as Secure Communities, are more efficient. Numerous organizations had complained to President Obama about the use of 287(g), claiming that it involved profiling and eroded trusting relationships between immigrant communities and local law enforcement agencies. They also complained that it taxed resources that communities otherwise would be used to fight overall crime.
If you have been arrested, face the threat of deportation or other ICE initiated legal actions, get legal help. A NY immigration attorney can protect your rights.