Local Enforcement of Federal Immigration Policies: An Analysis of Sanctuary Cities & 287 G Jurisdictions

Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (1996) grants the Department of Homeland Security the ability to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies, which will assist in “controlling” immigration by enforcing federal immigration laws.  Strong opponents of 287(g) have opted to adopt “sanctuary city” statuses. Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions that refuse to participate in the local enforcement of federal immigration policies, including aiding Immigration and Customs Enforcement in their duties arguing that these policies are problematic because they disproportionally target ethnic minorities, cost the jurisdiction a substantial amount of money, and negatively affect police-community relationships. In contrast, critics of sanctuary cities argue that failing to cooperate with federal enforcement is detrimental to the community and that “protecting” immigrants will only lead to increased crime.  Despite the fact that both supporters and opponents of both types of policies cite crime, criminalization, and crime-related costs as key reasons for the implementation of these approaches, the effect of adopting cross-deputation programs or sanctuary policies on these factors remains an empirical question.

With funding from a California State University, Fullerton’s Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity grant, we are conducting a pilot study exploring the impact of impacts of 287g and Sanctuary policies on crime rates. This research will generate practical tools to enable policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to grapple more effectively with this timely social issue, and set a benchmark for the study of immigration policy.