While
anti-immigration forces seek to paint immigrants as a dangerous criminal force,
the facts show that immigrants commit fewer crimes than the general population
proportionately. But more importantly,
most law enforcement groups recognize that it becomes harder to protect victims
of crime, particularly immigrants themselves, when millions of people living in
our communities are fearful of talking to the police when they witness a crime
or are a victim of one. A report endorsed by the Major Cities Chiefs
Association,
representing the police departments of New York City, Los Angeles, Houston and
city departments serving over fifty million residents outlined:
"Immigration enforcement by local police would
likely negatively effect and undermine the level of trust and cooperation
between local police and immigrant communities. If the undocumented immigrant's primary
concern is that they will be deported or subjected to an immigration status
investigation, then they will not come forward and provide needed assistance
and cooperation...Such a divide between the local police and immigrant groups
would result in increased crime against immigrants and in the broader
community, create a class of silent victims and eliminate the potential for
assistance from immigrants in solving crimes or preventing future terroristic
acts."
Progressive
leaders can frame reasonable treatment of immigrant communities as critical to
promoting public safety.
Core
immigrant outreach for public safety and anti-terror policy legislation should
include:
