The White House has called on “sanctuary” communities and states throughout the country to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to turn over illegal immigrants who have committed crimes so they may be deported. This request for assistance is made in the wake of many high-profile crimes committed by undocumented immigrants who were previously freed by local law enforcement in spite of ICE’s requests, raising concerns about sanctuary policies.
A representative for the White House reaffirmed the administration’s wish for local governments to provide ICE with information on people who could be a threat to public safety. This position is a component of a larger initiative to address and lessen the problems related to illegal immigration and community safety in the United States.
Sanctuary towns still restrict or prohibit law enforcement from obeying ICE detainers, even after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has removed or returned over 565,000 people since May 12—the great majority of whom entered the country illegally. These practices have drawn criticism, especially in light of the fact that they were connected to the release of people who went on to perpetrate violent crimes.
The discussion of local governments’ involvement in federal immigration problems has resurfaced in light of sanctuary policies and their effects on immigration enforcement and public safety. Proponents contend that by fostering collaboration with police without fear of deportation, these measures promote confidence between immigrant populations and local law enforcement. Critics, notably the Biden administration, contend that because these areas don’t work with ICE, they are intrinsically more dangerous.
The government is pushing for bipartisan solutions to strengthen border security and improve immigration management as President Biden gets ready to visit Brownsville, Texas, which is located near the southern border. The White House’s request that sanctuary cities work with ICE in the middle of this complicated and divisive subject highlights the continued difficulties in striking a balance between immigration enforcement and community safety and security in the United States.