1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned resident of Candler, North Carolina, to express my strong opposition to the continued implementation and expansion of the 287(g) program within our state. This program, which deputizes local law enforcement officers to perform certain functions of federal immigration agents, has been shown to have numerous detrimental effects on our communities. The 287(g) program has been associated with increased instances of racial profiling and civil rights violations. Studies have indicated that its implementation can lead to disproportionate targeting of individuals based on race or ethnicity, undermining the principles of equality and justice that our state upholds. Moreover, the program strains the relationship between local law enforcement and the communities they serve. When local officers are tasked with federal immigration enforcement, it fosters fear and mistrust among immigrant populations, making them less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police investigations. This erosion of trust compromises public safety for all residents. Financially, the 287(g) program imposes significant burdens on local agencies. While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) covers training costs, local jurisdictions are responsible for personnel expenses, including salaries and overtime, as well as administrative supplies. These expenditures divert limited resources away from essential local policing functions. Furthermore, the program's effectiveness in enhancing public safety is questionable. Data suggests that 287(g) agreements often lead to the deportation of individuals with minor or no criminal histories, rather than focusing on serious offenders. This misallocation of enforcement efforts does not contribute meaningfully to community safety and raises concerns about the program's priorities. Given these issues, I urge you to reconsider North Carolina's participation in the 287(g) program. Ending or limiting these agreements would demonstrate our state's commitment to upholding civil rights, fostering trust between law enforcement and communities, and ensuring the prudent use of public resources. Thank you for considering my concerns. I trust that you will act in the best interest of all North Carolinians by opposing the continuation and expansion of the 287(g) program in our state.