Terminate the 287(g) agreement in Weber County

The Issue

In Weber County, our communities are built on trust, diversity, and mutual respect. However, the 287(g) agreement threatens these values, turning our neighborhoods into zones of fear rather than havens of safety and protection. Immigrants who have always been integral to our community now live under constant anxiety that any interaction with local law enforcement, even for minor issues or as victims or witnesses, may inadvertently lead them towards deportation.

The 287(g) agreement allows local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement functions, a duty typically reserved for the federal government. This program complicates the role of local law enforcement, diverting resources away from community policing and public safety, and instead focusing on immigration enforcement. According to the ACLU, programs like these often result in racial profiling and have led to a breakdown of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Moreover, in places where 287(g) agreements are enforced, there's a chilling effect on immigrant communities. Many individuals fear reporting crimes, either as victims or witnesses, which hampers the ability of police to effectively fight crime and protect the community as a whole. The Major Cities Chiefs Association and former police chiefs around the country have echoed these concerns, emphasizing the program's negative impact on community policing.

Critics, including researchers and civil rights organizations, argue that the 287(g) agreements have not proven effective in significantly reducing crime rates but have instead instigated racial disparities and contributed to mass deportations of individuals with minor offenses. For Weber County, this agreement does not reflect our community's values of inclusivity and protection for all its residents.

By terminating the 287(g) agreement, we can restore trust and collaboration within our communities. Public safety should prioritize the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. Let us focus on real community safety and build a future where every resident can lead their life without fear.

Join us in urging local authorities to terminate the 287(g) agreement in Weber County immediately. Sign this petition to show your support for a community that wholeheartedly stands for safety, justice, and respect for all individuals.