Chairwoman Roybal-Allard Statement on New DHS Immigration Enforcement Priorities & Law Enforcement Coordination Council

Press Release

"Today, DHS Secretary Mayorkas released guidance ("Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law") that will become effective November 29, 2021. The new guidelines recognize that if everyone is a priority, no one is a priority.

"This new directive acknowledges that limited resources should be focused on credible threats and that such determinations are complex and require individual assessments. I applaud the Administration for recognizing the humanity of immigrants and protecting their civil rights and civil liberties. Enforcement is often used as a tool of intimidation by employers or landlords, and these new guidelines will discourage such practices. I look forward to working with Secretary Mayorkas through meaningful oversight and review of the guidelines' implementation.

"I was also pleased by the Secretary's establishment of a Law Enforcement Coordination Council (LECC) to conduct a thorough assessment of the Department's policies and training, including those related to the use of force, de-escalation tactics, and the protection of civil rights. The Department's law enforcement personnel have difficult jobs, helping to protect the country from transnational criminal organizations and other serious threats, while also managing the influx of migrants fleeing desperate circumstances. Through the establishment of clear policies, appropriate training, and effective oversight, the Department must give its personnel the tools and direction required to clearly differentiate between these two mission sets."

Source