Forum Publications
Southwest Border Security Operations
December 30, 2010
A summary of current border enforcement initiatives and those of the recent past. Includes a glossary of federal and state border enforcement operations. Updated December 2010.
The Cost of Operation Streamline
December 06, 2010
Operation Streamline is an initiative that has proved to be a very costly and has had an enormous negative impact on our criminal justice system. This paper outlines some of Operation Streamline’s fiscal costs to the government and, more importantly, it spotlights the opportunity costs—what crimes are not being prosecuted because resources are being diverted to prosecute low-level immigration violators.
New OIG Report Shines Light on Continuing Flaws in 287(g) Program
November 05, 2010
This memo summarizes a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on the 287(g) program operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 287(g) program provides authority for state and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. Six months after it released a report highly critical of the 287(g) program, the OIG found that ICE had still not implemented 28 of 33 recommendations made by the OIG in March 2010.
The ICE Priority Memos: What do They Mean?
September 02, 2010
This document gives a brief explanation of two recent memos drafted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding priorities for immigration enforcement actions and prosecutorial discretion to be used in certain cases. The document also provides guidance for responding to media and community inquiries concerning the ICE memos.
Evaluating Supplemental Border Appropriations (HR 6080)
August 12, 2010
This documentl summarizes and comments on H.R. 6080, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Border Security, passed in August 2010
Immigration Basics 2010
June 29, 2010
This publication covers basic facts and figures on immigrants in the U.S. and a basic explanation of U.S. refugee and immigration policies.
Operation Streamline and its Effects on the Courts and Law Enforcement on the Border
May 11, 2010
Operation Streamline is a government initiative to criminally prosecute persons crossing the border illegally. This backgrounder discusses the effect of the program on law enforcement and court resources on the border, which have been diverted away from the prosecution of more serious crimes.
The Border Security Buildup: True Border Security Requires Reforming Our Broken Immigration Laws
May 04, 2010
Describes the increases in enforcement resources that have been placed on the southwest border in recent years, and questions the assumption that the borders are “out of control.”
Fact Sheet: Operation Stonegarden
February 17, 2010
This fact sheet describes Operation Stonegarden, a federal grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, providing funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities “to jointly secure U.S. borders and territories.” The program suffers from lack of a clear agenda and from lack of guidance on how it is to improve border security.
The President’s FY2011 Department of Homeland Security Budget Immigration-Related Priorities
February 17, 2010
A summary of the immigration-related priorities in the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security.
