L.A.'s Top Cop Opposes Local Enforcement of Immigration Laws

We’ve been blogging this month about the damage 287 (g) agreements have had on local communities. It turns out that Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton agrees with us. Yesterday, he spoke out against 287(g) agreements in the L.A. Times, underscoring that 287(g) agreements ultimately undermine the safety of all by decreasing trust between the police force and the public. Bratton writes:

Although many local agencies have declined to participate in 287(g), 67 state and local law enforcement agencies are working with ICE, acting as immigration agents. Some in Los Angeles have asked why the LAPD doesn’t participate. My officers can’t prevent or solve crimes if victims or witnesses are unwilling to talk to us because of the fear of being deported.

Bratton, in addition to his role as LAPD Police Chief, has served as the Police Commissioner of both Boston and New York City. Check out his full piece here.