287(g) Yea or Nay?
Extra Voices is The Frederick Extra's opinion section.
Since the clumsy introduction and politicization of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287 (g) program in Frederick County, it has been a hot button issue.
According to DHS, “The 287(g) program, one of ICE's top partnership initiatives, allows a state or local law enforcement entity to enter into a partnership with ICE, under a joint Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), in order to receive delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions.”
The local argument over the efficacy of the program has been, and continues to be, exacerbated by fear mongering for political purposes with statements like “We all know that open-border policies and failure to enforce the laws have impacted public safety in every community in America, and cities are becoming war zones,” statements that are verifiably false.
Our country is in serious need of a coherent immigration policy. No one doubts that. But, it is a national issue that needs to be resolved at the national level, Congress and the White House. It cannot and will not be resolved at the local level.
Our community is currently embroiled in a debate over the designation of Frederick City or the County as a sanctuary city/county, without a clear definition of what a sanctuary city is. Positions have been staked out on both sides of the issue without sufficient empirical data to demonstrate what is best for Frederick County or the city.
Every community must weigh the pros and cons concerning the nature of its relationship with ICE. Regardless of where you currently stand on the immigration issue, as a resident of Frederick County, you should want to base our county’s policy regarding the nature and extent of involvement with ICE on evidence based information supported by factual data that is free from bias.
As for our community, its role in 287 (g) and relationship with ICE, there are three questions to be explored in trying to identify what is best for our county. First, what is the purpose - that is the purpose which is specific to resolving a Frederick County issue or problem? Remember, the larger immigration issue/problem can only be resolved at the national level. Second, is 287 (g) solving or impacting that problem in a positive way or what is the benefit? Third and lastly, what is the cost? What are the social costs, the economic costs (direct and indirect) and cost or benefit to the image of the county?
It is only after close examination of the three aforementioned questions; what is the purpose? is it serving that purpose? And, what is the cost? that we can determine the efficy of 287 (g) for our community. That should have been done years ago during the planning and implementation stages. Had it been done then, instead of politicizing it, it might not be the divisive issue it is today.
Better late than never. Now is a good time to turn away from anecdotal stories that provoke emotional responses and focus on evidence based factual data. Many of those taking strong positions on this topic are relying on misleading anecdotal stories to support their position while ignoring the empirical research that exists. There are certain verifiable facts regarding crime rates, costs to social programs, impact on the local workforce, and impact on local economy, etc. that should be taken into consideration.
On the issue of the nature and extent of our county’s relationship with ICE, it is important to consider the fact that we have limited taxpayer dollars and personnel resources to be devoted to public safety issues/problems. Full enforcement of all laws is a mythical perception embraced by those in search of a justification for their view when they cannot find support elsewhere. Resources are finite and priorities must be established.
When establishing any governmental policy or program that is dependent on taxpayer dollars, it is important to have a demonstrated need, evidence the policy/program will be effective, and that the costs in terms of tax payer dollars and personnel resources are a worthwhile investment. Anything less is irresponsible governing.
Our community’s policy should be rational, supported by a foundation of empirical data and free from bias.
Karl Bickel has been published in the Baltimore Sun, The Frederick News-Post and many other venues as well as being quoted in USA Today, Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, The Washington Examiner and many more. He can be reached at KarlBickel@comcast.net
