Getting your player ready...
WASHINGTON — Despite a nationwide clamor against illegal immigration, only 55 of more than 18,000 police and law enforcement agencies nationwide have signed agreements to coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Although they face public and political pressure to crack down on illegal immigrants, officials say such efforts can backfire by making immigrants reluctant to report crimes, exposing departments to lawsuits and putting police officers in confusing and dangerous situations that can lead to mistakes and abuse. They also fear losing the trust of immigrant communities.
