Using local law enforcement to enhance immigration law in the United States: a legal and social analysis

In the United States, controversial debate has centered around changes in immigration enforcement, particularly in regard to the integration of local law enforcement, rather than federal (national level) law enforcement, in fulfilling these duties. A number of legal statutes have been enacted and revised. Amidst federal revisions to these statutes, policies, and procedures, state-level governments have acted independently in how they utilize their own law enforcement personnel in combating illegal immigration. This has proven to be a source of conflict between state-level government and federal-level officials. Further, these circumstances have occurred against a backdrop setting where Latinos (mainly of Mexican descent) are the primary immigrants in states where many of these issues have developed. These developments hold numerous legal and social implications for the United States and its role within the global community.