A coalition of advocacy groups has asked President Obama to end a program that allows local police to enforce federal immigration law, reports the Los Angeles Times. The program, known as 287(g) for its provision in the federal immigration code, deputizes police to turn over suspects or criminals to immigration authorities for possible deportation. Immigrant rights groups said the program has led to civil rights violations and racial profiling.
The National Immigration Law Center sent a letter detailing its concerns to the president. It was signed by more than 500 local and national groups. In July, the Department of Homeland Security announced an expansion of 287(g) and some changes, including a new agreement that all participating agencies must sign. The agreement requires that police agencies focus their efforts on criminals who pose a threat to public safety, with less emphasis on those who commit minor crimes.