New Hampshire State Police Seek Deputization as Immigration Agents
New Hampshire State Police have recently applied to be deputized with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, a move that could allow officers to question, detain, and arrest individuals based on their immigration status. This initiative has received support from Governor Kelly Ayotte, who believes that criminals who are in the country illegally and pose a danger should be apprehended and removed.
Collaboration for Public Safety
Governor Ayotte emphasized the importance of state and local law enforcement cooperating with federal authorities to ensure the safety of citizens. This collaboration is part of a larger effort to address immigration-related issues at a local level. The New Hampshire State Police and Gorham Police Department are among the 32 pending program applications seeking to work with ICE through section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
This section allows ICE to delegate specific immigration enforcement functions to state and local law enforcement officers under the agency’s direction and oversight. Agencies can apply for various types of support, including a task force model, which the New Hampshire State Police and Gorham’s department have both applied for. This model enables police to enforce limited immigration authority during routine police duties, such as making arrests and questioning individuals about their immigration status.
Controversy and Concerns
While the task force model is seen as a potential “force multiplier” by ICE, there are concerns about its implementation. The model was previously discontinued in 2012 during the Obama administration due to allegations of racial profiling. Despite efforts to reinstate it, organizations like the ACLU of New Hampshire have raised issues regarding potential abuses of power and discriminatory practices.
In response to these concerns, Belknap County Sheriff Bill Wright has also applied for a 287(g) agreement, although his office is not listed in ICE’s pending agencies. This indicates a broader interest among law enforcement agencies in participating in immigration enforcement activities. The debate surrounding this issue reflects the complex interplay between federal, state, and local authorities in addressing immigration challenges.
Molly Farrar, a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, has been closely following developments related to this issue. Her reporting sheds light on the various perspectives and stakeholders involved in the debate over deputizing state police as immigration agents. As this story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about public safety, civil liberties, and the role of law enforcement in addressing immigration issues.
As New Hampshire State Police seek deputization as immigration agents, the implications of this decision extend beyond law enforcement to touch on broader social and political issues. The balance between security and civil rights, local autonomy and federal oversight, will continue to shape the conversation around immigration enforcement in the United States.
