Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Homeland chief says sees changes to ‘Secure Communities’ program of immigration enforcement

CP28385085
FILE - In this March 18, 2014, file photo, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson speaks during a news conference in Washington. Johnson, who\'s conducting a politically charged review of the nation\'s deportation policy, said Thursday, May 15 he\'s looking at making changes to a much-criticized program that runs people booked for local crimes through a federal immigration database.(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File)

WASHINGTON – Homeland Security Secretary Jeh (Jay) Johnson says he’s looking at making changes to a controversial program that runs people booked for local crimes through a federal immigration database.

The potential change to the “Secure Communities” program comes as part of a review ordered by President Barack Obama to the nation’s deportations policies.

The program allows immigration officials to ask local law enforcement to detain people who match in a federal database for immigration violations, and they can then be deported.

That’s led to some people with minor violations being deported. Increasingly local governments are refusing to honour the detention requests.

Johnson tells “PBS Newshour” that the program needs a fresh start.

Obama is weighing executive changes because immigration legislation is stalled in the House.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles