Factors Influencing Participation in the 287(g) Program

This paper examines the impact of crime rates, immigrant populations, and previous policies on the decision by law enforcement agencies to participate in the 287(g) program. Through the program, state, county, and local police and sheriff’s departments sign agreements with the Department of Homeland Security to give officers authorization to interrogate and detain people while they are checked against a database for an ICE detainer. Critics argue that the 287(g) program causes discrimination against Latinos and Hispanics, does not prioritize deportation of violent criminals, and undermines police-community relations. This thesis utilizes secondary sources and an analysis of data on crime rates, immigration rates, and previous anti-immigrant policies to explore the influence of these factors on the decision of law enforcement agencies to sign 287(g) agreements. By understanding why local authorities join such programs, we can better evaluate the current and alternative policy options for addressing the local impact of immigration.