Sanctuary Counties vs. Non-Sanctuary Counties: Effect of Sanctuary Policies on Crime Rates

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provides policies for counties for different reasons, including reducing crime rates. Counties that fail to follow these policies often witness higher crime rates than counties that implement them. Furthermore, counties that previously refused to follow the principles (also called non-sanctuary counties) witnessed a reduction in crime rates after implementing them. This article will discuss the policies laid down by ICE and their influence on crime rates.

Sanctuary Counties and Non-Sanctuary Counties

A sanctuary county implements and follows the principles laid down by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for reducing crime rates. Conversely, a non-sanctuary county fails to implement the least of all following these same principles. Sanctuary policies are in place in over two hundred local jurisdictions in the United States. ICE put these policies in place to protect the citizens and non-citizens of these counties. For example, local law enforcement agencies cannot inquire about the citizenship of arrested individuals because of these policies. Furthermore, it restrains local law enforcement from notifying ICE of arrested non-citizens and detaining people to inquire about their citizenship further.

Crime Rates in Sanctuary vs. Non-Sanctuary Counties

Marta Ascherio, a Ph.D. holder in Sociology, conducted and published research in the Social Science Research journal on crime rates in these two counties. In the research, she showed that more crimes, including property and violence, were reduced in sanctuary counties than in non-sanctuary counties. This difference in statistics started after 2014 when many counties started implementing the policies. Furthermore, her findings suggest that counties practicing sanctuary policies saw improved political integration in immigrant communities. Sanctuary practices increase social harmony and lead to positive spillover effects in counties practicing them.

When Did Sanctuary Policies Become Important?

Sanctuary policies became important, and violations were punishable after 2009 when ICE implemented Secure Communities. Secure Community is a program linking Department of Homeland Security and FBI databases for immigration purposes, among other things. The linking is mainly to consequently check the citizenship status of individuals arrested anywhere in the United States. ICE activated the policies in January 2013 in states and local jails nationwide, empowering them to track potential non-citizens. It also gives states and local jails the power to request law enforcement agencies to detain potential non-citizens for questioning. However, some law enforcement agencies refused to honor these notification and detainer requests.

In What Ways Are the Sanctuary Policies Beneficial?

Although jurisdictions had misgivings concerning sanctuary policies, they undoubtedly benefited everyone concerned. For instance, these jurisdictions stated their concerns that Secure Communities would punish crime witnesses and immigrant victims, thus undermining community-police relationships. Nevertheless, sanctuary practices have benefits, including incorporating immigrants into mainstream networks to seek services like employment, housing, and healthcare. Counties following the principles witness a reduced need for illegitimate markets and increased access to law enforcement protection. Moreover, sanctuary policies are unlike punitive immigration policies that adversely influence the safety and solidness of communities.

Sanctuary Policies Impact vs. US-Born and Foreign-Born Latinos Proportions

Marta Ascherio’s paper moreover considers whether the high proportions of US- or foreign-born Latinos impact the effect of sanctuary policies on crime rates in communities. She established that there is a reduction in crime rates in communities with higher proportions of immigrant Latinos. Sanctuary policies also foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging cooperation in reporting crimes and participating in investigations. This enhanced collaboration contributes to a safer environment, benefitting both immigrants and long-term residents of sanctuary countries.

Conclusion

Marta Ascherio’s research on sanctuary policies for immigrants offers scientific and empirical backing against the argument of a direct relationship between crime and sanctuary policies. It offers an empirical resolution to the debates about social policies and immigration. By fostering trust and cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement, sanctuary policies contribute to social cohesion and public safety. Their broader societal impact underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in shaping effective immigration policies.