The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) has a section allowing local police to enforce Federal immigration laws. This is thru a program known as 287(g). In other words, your local cops may have to do their job (protecting you, arresting bad guys, patroling your community, investigation crimes, going under-cover, preventing gang violence, etc.) AND that of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“USICE”). Plus, the local police receive all of 6 weeks training!!! I have been practicing immigration law for over 30 years and I still have a hard time understanding some of the immigration rules.
But don’t take my word for it, listen to Chief William J. Bratton of the LAPD, formerly Police Commissioner in Boston and New York.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-bratton27-2009oct27,0,2619437,print.story
