Daily Archives: January 23, 2013

Se Communities Program: A law enforcement project that didn’t work

Many police organizations regretted participation In what was lauded a few years ago as “ . . . future of immigration enforcement, ” local law enforcement agencies are no longer obligated to comply with the Se Communities Program, see a once federally-mandated policy of deporting individuals considered threatening to public safety. California Attorney General Kamala Harris earlier this month released county and municipal law enforcement agencies from detaining and transferring illegal immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. Since March 2011, more than 150,000 convicted criminal aliens have been booked into ICE custody resulting in more than 75,000 deportations. It is reported that law enforcement nationwide arrests about 1 million non-citizens accused of crimes. The program was controversial from its start.

Immigration reform: Obama needs to close gap between rhetoric and reality

“We must act,” declared President Barack Obama in his second inaugural address. “We cannot afford to delay.”

On a diverse stage that reflected the legacy of our country’s social movements for gay, women, and civil rights, the president spoke about the nation’s unfinished journey towards greater equality. Making reference to the voices of past civil rights leaders, the president forcefully spoke to meet the nation’s challenges, especially our duty to advance equality for gays, women, and immigrants.