WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. immigration officials say they have addressed problems in a program allowing state and local police officers to enforce federal immigration law.
Department of Homeland Security officials said Friday they have made changes to address complaints that the program, which is meant to root out dangerous criminals among illegal immigrants, is prompting local police to target immigrants who commit relatively minor offenses and to engage in racial profiling, The New York Times reported.
The newspaper said the changes include requiring law enforcement officers enrolled in the program to pledge to observe federal anti-discrimination law, beefing up its supervision and flagging problems and complaints from the public.
DHS officials said Immigration and Customs Enforcement intends to expand the program and has renewed agreements with 55 state and local law enforcement agencies. Twelve more, they said, have reached tentative agreements.
The newspaper said ICE is negotiating with six other agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The Times said critics of the program. which include some members of Congress, weren't satisfied with the changes.
