1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

Cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities creates an atmosphere of fear and mistrust within immigrant communities. This undermines public safety by deterring victims and witnesses from reporting crimes out of concerns over potential deportation. Rather than diverting limited local resources toward federal immigration enforcement, police should focus their efforts solely on upholding state laws and safeguarding all residents regardless of immigration status. Prohibiting police from participating in immigration enforcement through programs like 287(g) protects civil liberties, preserves community trust, and allows law enforcement to concentrate on their primary public safety mission without distractions or overreach. I urge you to support legislation barring such cooperation to keep our communities safer and more united.