We can have both dignity and security

Maintaining Trust and Ensuring Accountability

Greetings,

Following the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the New York Times has declared a "national tipping point." Certainly, the outpouring of cries for reforming immigration enforcement tactics and nationwide protests demonstrate that people want change. Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the Forum, said in a statement, "The administration’s approach has been counterproductive and led to the dangerous conditions we face today." In Washington, legislators of both parties are feeling the same way, as they’ve raised concerns with enforcement tactics, and the funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the subject of the latest shutdown.

In the wake of this tragedy, President Trump sent "border czar" Tom Homan to Minnesota to coordinate with local officials and turn the temperature down. Most recently, the administration announced the withdrawal of 700 federal immigration agents from the state, even while restating that the president "fully intends to achieve mass deportations during this administration." Homan said that enforcement operations will continue, but with "smarter enforcement, not less enforcement." It is to be determined what that will look like in practice. Still, the continued use of mass deportations with visible, militarized immigration enforcement will further damage community-police relations and erode public trust.

Members of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF) raised the same concern about public trust, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is a federal, not a local, responsibility. Since 2015, the LEITF has served as a national resource highlighting the relationship between immigration enforcement, public safety, and government accountability.

Members of the LEITF continue to be cited in multiple media outlets examining local law enforcement responses to federal immigration policies and operational activity. The San Antonio Current reported that Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar publicly criticized federal immigration enforcement actions during a community rally. The sheriff raised concerns about the politicization of law enforcement and emphasized the importance of transparency and public trust.

Sheriff Salazar’s concerns are echoed nationwide. Seattle’s Mayor Katie Wilson and Police Chief Shon Barnes have directed city officers to investigate, verify, and document federal immigration enforcement activities. These measures are designed to ensure public safety, maintain transparency, and uphold both the dignity of the community members and the security of the city. Similarly, in Pima County, AZ, local officials are considering measures requiring law enforcement at every level to wear identification. Pima Sheriff Chris Nanos is in favor of the move because it could help to reestablish community trust. He said, "Trust is built one drop at a time. You lose it in buckets." Together, these examples from LEITF members demonstrate the need for balanced enforcement policies that prioritize public safety while strengthening community trust.

As part of the Forum’s commitment to advancing immigration policies that strengthen national security while maintaining public trust, the Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI) released a statement addressing major concerns regarding current Department of Homeland Security interior enforcement activities. In the statement, the CNSI leaders called for specific changes to maintain trust and ensure accountability within DHS.

As we experience this "national tipping point," we must remember that two things can be true at once: we can support policies that prioritize the national security of the United States, while maintaining due process and dignity for immigrants. When immigration enforcement turns violent and tactics become too far-reaching, they create a culture of instability and fear in our communities. We must promote accountability and reform to correct these actions. Please join me in contacting your members of Congress to let them know you would like to see meaningful, bipartisan immigration reform that ensures accountability and public safety.

Stay committed and hopeful,

Andrea

Andrea Corro
Field and Constituencies Coordinator
Forum