In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a group composed of immigrant rights, faith-based, and pro-democracy organizations made a compelling appeal during the National Sheriffs’ Association Conference. They presented a petition bolstered by 12,000 signatures, urging law enforcement authorities to prioritize public safety over collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The coalition’s letter strongly advises sheriff agencies to abstain from engaging in immigration enforcement activities, highlighting what they perceive as the dangers of former President Donald Trump’s “anti-immigrant rhetoric and harmful immigration agenda.”
During the conference at Broward County Convention Center, approximately 30 demonstrators gathered in support of this message, advocating for a separation between local law enforcement duties and federal immigration responsibilities.
The core argument presented in the letter was that when sheriffs assume responsibilities typically handled by federal immigration authorities, it not only detracts from their primary mission but also strains already limited resources. Moreover, it was suggested that such involvement leads to significant harm within communities.
Thomas Kennedy, representing the Florida Immigrant Coalition, underscored the potential negative impacts on public safety. He warned that residents might become fearful of seeking assistance from law enforcement if immigration issues were interlinked.
Kennedy elaborated, stating that combining local policing efforts with federal immigration responsibilities is detrimental across multiple fronts. From hindering civil rights and imposing an unfair burden on taxpayers to distracting officers from their essential duties, the approach is problematic.
As of now, the National Sheriffs’ Association has not issued a response regarding the concerns and requests articulated in the presented letter.