The Department of Justice (DOJ) offered nearly one billion dollars in federal public safety grants to cities and police departments across the United States. These grants require cooperation with immigration enforcement personnel. According to NPR, the move is part of a greater effort enticing local authorities into working with federal immigration officials more closely.
Historically, DOJ grants are the largest sources of federal funding for local police. Most of these funds go towards hiring new officers, school safety programs, and mental health services. However, the newest set of grants have a new stipulation: cities cooperating with immigration enforcement authorities get priority consideration.
Traditionally, federal officials handle immigration enforcement. However, the past eighteen months saw increased coordination between local and federal authorities in detainment operations. This is despite more than seventy percent of all detainees having no prior criminal convictions.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.