FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: B. Loewe, NDLON, 773.791.4668

New Numbers Demonstrate Persisting Problems with ICE’s Secure Communities Program
Large Numbers of Deportees with No Criminal Convictions in a Range of Localities Raise Troubling Questions Say Advocates

3.28.2011 A new analysis of the latest data reported by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency under the controversial Secure Communities program demonstrates persisting problems with ICE’s claim that the program’s focus is on high-level dangerous criminals.

The agency began issuing quarterly reports as a result of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, Center for Constitutional Rights and the Kathryn O. Greenberg Immigration Justice Clinic of the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.

Those advocates released a new analysis today of the latest data that contradicts the agency’s claim that the program pursues those convicted of dangerous crimes and prevents opportunities for racial profiling on the part of local law enforcement.

“Nationally, 1 in 4 people deported under S-Comm haven’t been convicted of any crime. That ratio jumps to over 50% in Boston, certain areas of California, and in multiple examples across the country.” Explained Bridget Kessler of Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.  “Those numbers raise questions about how S-Comm may allow local police to cover up profiling and circumvent due process.”

When questioned during a recent House Appropriations Committee Hearing on March 11th, Director of ICE John Morton admitted, “we do in fact remove non-criminals through Secure Communities.”

Sarahi Uribe of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network added, “The most recent numbers demonstrate that Secure Communities makes us less safe. The Obama administration pushed an aggressive deportation dragnet onto counties with no oversight and no protections for the innocent people who would be affected.”

Sunita Patel, attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights, concluded, “Secure Communities walls off victims of domestic violence and other crimes from accessing police protection in their time of need. It’s time to end the program in order to restore real safety in our neighborhoods.”

Statistical Documents Below:

ICE Secure Communities IDENT/IAFIS Interoperability Monthly Statistics through February 28, 2011

Top 38 Counties with Highest Level of Non-Criminal Removals

Nationwide Secure Communities Removals by State and County

The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change. Visit www.ccrjustice.org

The mission of the National Day Laborer Organization Network is to improve the lives of day laborers in the U.S. by unifying and strengthening its member organizations to be more strategic and effective in their efforts to develop leadership, mobilize day laborers in order to protect and expand their civil, labor and human rights. Visit www.ndlon.org

The Kathryn O. Greenberg Immigration Justice Clinic of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law was founded in 2008 to provide quality pro bono legal representation to indigent immigrants facing deportation. Under the supervision of experienced practitioners, law students in the Clinic represent individuals facing deportation and community-based organizations in public advocacy, media and litigation projects. Visit www.cardozo.yu.edu/immigrationjustice