Local Police Deputized to Enforce Immigration Law, Raising Concerns of Civil Rights Abuses and Fueling Calls for Mass Non-Cooperation

The Trump administration's efforts to crack down on immigration have taken a concerning turn, with the rapid expansion of a program deputizing local police to enforce federal immigration law. Critics warn that this move risks "a threat to civil rights nationwide," as it opens the door to potential abuses and further alienates communities from local law enforcement. According to a recent investigation by the Guardian, the administration's decision to cut the jobs of experienced civil rights watchdogs has left the program without adequate oversight. These watchdogs were in the process of scrutinizing the federal program, known as 287(g), which allows local police to conduct federal immigration enforcement work. The program has been criticized for its lack of transparency and potential for abuse. The 287(g) program has been around since 1996, but its use has expanded significantly under the Trump administration. The program allows local police to enter into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration law, including the power to arrest and detain individuals suspected of being undocumented. While the program is intended to enhance public safety, critics argue that it can lead to racial profiling and targeting of immigrant communities. The concerns surrounding the 287(g) program are not unfounded. A 2019 report by the Southern Poverty Law Center found that the program has led to the deportation of thousands of people, many of whom had no criminal record. The report also found that the program has created a culture of fear among immigrant communities, making them less likely to report crimes or cooperate with law enforcement. The expansion of the 287(g) program has also raised concerns among local law enforcement officials, who worry that it can damage relationships with the communities they serve. In a statement, the National Immigration Law Center noted that the program "can lead to the erosion of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, making it more difficult to prevent and investigate crimes." As the Trump administration continues to push for a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, grassroots resistance movements are gaining momentum. Some argue that mass non-cooperation is key to defeating the administration's authoritarian tendencies. Mark and Paul Engler, co-directors of the Whirlwind Institute, have written extensively on the power of civil resistance and its potential to bring about social change. In a recent article, the Englers noted that the anti-ICE protests in Minnesota, which have drawn thousands of people, demonstrate the power of mass non-cooperation. The protests, which have included creative actions such as blocking roads and occupying public spaces, have created a sense of community and solidarity among participants. The Englers argue that this type of resistance is essential to challenging the Trump administration's drive toward authoritarianism. The Englers' argument is supported by research on civil resistance, which has shown that mass non-cooperation can be an effective way to challenge unjust systems. A study by the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict found that between 1900 and 2006, nonviolent resistance campaigns were successful in achieving their goals 53% of the time, compared to 26% for violent campaigns. As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, it is clear that the expansion of the 287(g) program raises serious concerns about civil rights and the potential for abuse. While the Trump administration may see this program as a key component of its immigration strategy, critics argue that it is a threat to the very fabric of American society. As the Englers note, it is up to ordinary Americans to resist this trend through mass non-cooperation and creative resistance.