Secure Communities

Latest News: Globe article highlights injustice of program

 

Currently, when the police arrests a suspect, their fingerprints are sent to the FBI, which checks a criminal database to verify identity and see if they are wanted in other places. Under “Secure Communities," the FBI will run fingerprints against an immigration database. If there is no match for an existing record, fingerprints are added to the immigration database (no matter what the immigration status is of the person arrested). If there is a match, the FBI sends information to ICE to check status. ICE then sends information to the police and ICE's local Enforcement and Removal Office, which then holds the individual until ICE can take him or her into custody. All of this can happen before formal charges are filed.

Problems with the program:

  • "Secure Communities” has not done what it is supposed to do – go after dangerous criminals. 75 % of those deported under this program have NOT been dangerous criminals.
  • In Boston, over half of the deportees – 53% -- have not even been accused of any criminal offense whatsoever.
  • The program COULD encourage racial profiling since police would know that everyone they arrest would get an immigration check.
  • There is no program oversight, to be sure that any of the abuses, such as racial profiling, are not taking place.
  • In Massachusetts criminals who are actually convicted already go through the deportation process after serving their time.

What you can do:

  • Organize. Talk to your friends, your family, at your church, at your work, in your community.
  • Sign a post card to be given to Governor Deval Patrick in person.

  • Call Governor Patrick’s office at 617-725-4005 and tell him that you disapprove of his agreement with ICE, and not to implement this contentious program in our state! Sample script for your call:

    My name is _____________ and I live in the city/town of ___________. I am calling Governor Patrick to say that I disapprove his intention to sign the Secure Communities agreement with ICE, when it's NOT mandatory. The Governor should cancel his decision that will increase racial profiling and decrease trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

  • Write a letter to the Governor and send it to the Governor's Cabinet at the address below or give it to the Brazilian Women's Group. We will send it for you:

    Governor Deval Patrick
    Boston, MA Massachusetts State House
    Office of the Governor Room 280
    Boston, MA 02133


Secure Communities Media:

  
Public Hearing in Lawrence, MA      BNN News Interviews BWG
April 2nd, 2011                             July 6th, 2011