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Napolitano Moves on Rogue Law Enforcement
The Arizona Interfaith Network organizations applaud the move by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, to bring mission clarity and order to the 287g program of ICE. The changes to the 287g program ordered by Secretary Napolitano appear to address the chaotic conditions and rogue behavior of some local law enforcement officials in Arizona and elsewhere who have used the 287g program to harass immigrants while draining resources from the suppression of serious crime.
AIN organizations expect that the new guidelines will help rein in Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio whose sweeps of immigrant neighborhoods have spread fear while undermining efforts to bring hard core criminals to justice.
AIN leaders in the last two months met with Under Secretary of DHS, John Morton, and his Chief of Staff, Suzy Barr, in an effort to bring 287g abuses forward and to press for change. In January, AIN organizations joined leaders from the Industrial Areas Foundation national network of organizations in petitioning Secretary Napolitano to reform ICE and refocus on serious crime.
"We've watched law enforcement efforts to address serious crime deteriorate as misuse of the 287(g) program has become more prevalent," said Frank Pierson of the Arizona Interfaith Network. "Secretary Napolitano seems to be sharpening the mission of ICE in a way that will ultimately make our streets and communities safer."
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