Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has announced a new agreement between the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aimed at removing undocumented individuals from the state. Under the deal, KBI agents will be trained and authorized to arrest undocumented individuals, serve warrants, and issue immigration detainers under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. While the agreement is specifically targeting immigrants with criminal records, recent enforcement has been wide spread against all undocumented immigrants. The reasoning-“all illegal immigrants are currently breaking the law.“
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
Kobach framed the agreement as a necessary step to enhance public safety, stating, All across Kansas, illegal aliens are dangerous criminals or gang members [and] are released back to the streets on a regular basis. That will end. This agreement will ensure that those criminals are deported. KBI Director Tony Mattivi emphasized that the collaboration provides an additional tool to target major violent crimes, drug trafficking, and crimes against children. Only time will tell if they detain, imprison, and deport all illegal immigrants not just those who are dangerous criminals.
The Hidden Cost: Who Protects Immigrant Communities?
Critics argue that the agreement could do more harm than good, particularly for immigrant communities already at risk for crime. The fear of deportation has long kept many undocumented individuals from reporting crimes, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, wage theft, human trafficking, and violence. If these crimes go unreported due to fear and distrust, the statistics will be skewed—painting an inaccurate picture of crime rates and law enforcement’s effectiveness.
Imagine a scenario where an employer refuses to pay an undocumented worker for their labor. Who can they call? The Attorney General’s office? The KBI? If law enforcement is seen as an extension of ICE, the answer is no one. These communities are left unprotected, allowing criminals and exploitative employers to operate with impunity.
A History of Distrust
The issue of distrust between law enforcement and immigrant communities is not new in Kansas. The fear of deportation has discouraged victims and witnesses from reporting serious crimes, hampering KBI investigations and allowing criminals to act with little consequence. In states with similar programs, police have noted decreased cooperation from immigrant communities, making it harder to solve cases and hold violent offenders accountable.
Public Safety or Public Fear?
While supporters claim that the agreement will rid Kansas of dangerous immigrants, critics argue that it will instead push immigrant communities further into the shadows. Law enforcement relies on public cooperation to effectively combat crime, and if people are too afraid to report victimization, crime will continue unchecked. The chilling effect could make Kansas less safe, not more.
The Road Ahead
As this policy takes effect, the impact on crime rates, community trust, and public safety will be closely watched. Will Kansas be safer if entire communities live in fear of reporting crimes? Who will protect those who cannot seek help? These questions remain unanswered, and the consequences of this partnership may shape the future of law enforcement in Kansas for years to come.
Several news outlets have reported on the recent agreement between the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
- KSNT News: Reported that Attorney General Kris Kobach and the KBI have signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security, allowing KBI agents to collaborate with ICE in immigration enforcement. KSNT
- Hays Post: Detailed the partnership, noting that selected KBI agents will receive ICE training to arrest illegal aliens, serve warrants for immigration violations, and issue detainers. Hays Post
- KSHB 41 News: Covered the agreement, highlighting that a limited number of KBI agents will be trained by ICE for immigration-related activities, with assurances that KBI’s investigative priorities will remain focused on major crimes. KSHB 41 Kansas City News
- KMBC News: Reported on the collaboration, stating that under the agreement, select agents will receive ICE training to arrest illegal immigrants, execute warrants, and issue immigration detainers. KMBC
- KFDI News: Noted that Kansas is the second state to deputize state law enforcement agents to enforce immigration laws, with KBI agents set to receive ICE training under the new agreement. 101.3 KFDI
- KSAL News: Reported that under the agreement, a limited number of KBI agents will receive ICE training, authorizing them to arrest illegal aliens and execute warrants for certain immigration violations. KSAL News
- Audacy News: Highlighted that Kansas will deputize KBI agents to enforce immigration laws, with selected agents receiving ICE training to arrest undocumented individuals and issue detainers. Audacy
