Local and Federal Authorities Divided on Immigration

The divide has become even larger. At this point in time in California police officers are being told that if they comply with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, they will be breaking the law. California’s attorney general warned police departments across the state that if they honor detention requests from ICE, unless the person has a serious record, they will be violating the Trust Act, and they will be in fact breaking the law. This has resulted in local and federal authorities divided on Immigration.

If officers do hold detainees because of a federal request, the local police department is in a position where they could possibly be sued for civil rights infringement. Originally, police officers were told to only detain those with serious and/or violent records, but at this time they are now being told that pretty much any compliance with federal agencies is against the law. Many are saying that people going to jail for minor offenses and then being deported is creating an environment in which there is mistrust in the peace officers, and it is encouraging illegal immigrants to leave crimes unreported.

With a divide that is growing larger each and every day, it is apparent that something has got to give. Whether it be the mass deportation that republicans want, or comprehensive immigration reform that democrats want, something has to, and is going, to give.