Policing Undocumented Immigrants in New York: Balancing Enforcement and Integration

Immigration policies vary significantly among U.S. states, leading to diverse law enforcement practices that uniquely affect immigrant (documented and undocumented) communities. This article explores New York’s immigration strategies within the framework of federal immigration law, pointing out the city’s misalignment with federal policing practices of immigrant populations. It emphasizes the urgent need for federal immigration reform. Additionally, the article advocates for a more integrationist, balanced and humane approach to policing undocumented immigrants. The article substantiates its claims using secondary source data, official reports, scholarly works, and Integration Theory in four key ways. First, it analyses New York’s immigration strategies within the context of federal immigration law. Second, it examines the city’s local government and non-governmental organizations’ collaborative efforts with federal immigration agencies to manage undocumented immigrants. Third, it discusses Integration Theory and delves into the policing experiences of immigrants in New York. Lastly, the article advocates for a more balanced approach to policing undocumented immigrants, highlighting the necessity of law enforcement and the importance of nurturing safe and cohesive communities.