WASHINGTON, D.C.: On January 8, 2010, NAPO met at the White House with staff from the Office of the President,
the Office of the Vice President and the Office of the Secretary
of Homeland Security to discuss our concerns with current immigration
policy and our suggestions on how to reform those policies. NAPO discussed the importance of securing the border, the need
for federal support of state and local law enforcement along our
nation’s borders, and the necessity of information and intelligence
sharing between federal, state and local law enforcement.
Specifically, NAPO recommended additional training on federal immigration laws
for state and local law enforcement, as well as the Department
of Homeland Security providing more resources to educate law enforcement
on immigration policies and procedures.
NAPO also suggested that Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) reach out to agencies and communities
and make them aware of its presence and services.
Improving the relationship between ICE and state and local
law enforcement agencies is vital to protecting our communities
from criminal aliens. Communication and cooperation are essential
and NAPO firmly believes that the 287(g) program
plays a major role in improving the relationship. NAPO advocated for the 287(g) program and we voiced our support
for expanding the program in order to augment the ICE’s
limited resources.
This meeting was a continuation of the conversation between
NAPO and the administration about immigration
reform. The next step is
working with Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham
(R-SC) on an immigration reform bill to be introduced this year. NAPO continues to push for stronger immigration enforcement policies
as the administration and lawmakers move forward with immigration
reform.
If you have any questions about the meeting or NAPO’s stances on immigration issues, please
contact the NAPO
office at (703) 549-0775.
