TAKE ACTION: Tell The U.S. Department of Homeland Security to End the 287(g) Program
The 287(g) program uses financial incentives to recruit local law enforcement officers to act as federal immigration agents causing harm carried out on immigrant children families and communities.
By allowing local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents, the program undermines public trust in policing and contributes to an atmosphere of fear—particularly in immigrant and mixed-status communities. It encourages racial profiling and disproportionately targets people of color, often detaining individuals who pose no public safety threat.
Rather than fostering safety, 287(g) creates barriers to community cooperation with police, making it less likely that victims or witnesses will report crimes or seek help. It also drains local resources, diverts law enforcement from their primary public safety duties, and contributes to unnecessary family separations, prolonged detention, and violations of due process.
As United Methodists, we are called to stand with the stranger, welcome the sojourner, and affirm the sacred dignity of all people.
“We oppose all laws and policies that attempt to criminalize, dehumanize, or punish displaced individuals and families based on their status as migrants, immigrants, or refugees.” (The Social Principles, The Political Community, Basic Rights and Freedoms, G., Migrants, Immigrants, and Refugees)
Take Action
Today, we urge you to join us in calling for the termination of the 287(g) program, a harmful federal-local immigration enforcement agreement that undermines community trust, fosters racial profiling, and violates the spirit of our faith.
Contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security via letter or phone call now! Use the sample script below.
Sample Script
“As a person of faith and United Methodist, I urge you to end the federal 287(g) program. This initiative causes widespread fear, encourages racial profiling, and undermines trust in local law enforcement. It is inconsistent with your department’s stated goals of equitable enforcement and family unity. Please end the harm and terminate this program.”
Send letter to:
Secretary Kristi Noem
Office of the Executive Secretary
MS 0525
Department of Homeland Security
2707 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Washington, DC 20528-0525
Or call 202-282-8495 and leave a message on the Homeland Security Comment Line
Let Us Pray
God of the refugee and the stranger, awaken in us a holy discomfort with systems that harm your children. Give us courage to speak truth, compassion to walk with the displaced, and hope to believe another way is possible. May our laws reflect your justice, and our actions reflect your love. Amen.
