Secure Communities Program History
The history of the federal program that automatically shared fingerprints from local arrests with immigration databases, funneling people into deportation.
Flavor Profile
You often embrace bold tactics that challenge the status quo
You're driven by urgency and frustration — channeling righteous anger into action
You're comfortable both in front and behind the scenes as needed
You lean toward lighter involvement while occasionally going deeper
Secure Communities was a federal program that fundamentally changed how local arrests could lead to deportation. Understanding this history is essential for understanding current enforcement.
How It Worked
Starting in 2008, fingerprints from local arrests were automatically shared with ICE databases. If there was a match—even for minor offenses, even if charges were dropped—ICE could issue a detainer requesting the person be held for pickup.
Impact on Communities
- Trust erosion: People avoided police contact, making communities less safe
- Collateral arrests: People picked up for minor infractions faced deportation
- Family separation: Parents of U.S. citizen children were deported for traffic violations
- Racial profiling: Studies showed disparate impact on Latino communities
Community Resistance
Advocates fought back through:
- Legal challenges: Arguing detainers were unconstitutional
- Policy advocacy: Pushing jurisdictions to not honor detainers
- Documentation: Tracking cases and exposing program impacts
Legacy
Though Secure Communities was officially ended in 2014 (replaced by the Priority Enforcement Program, later revived), its infrastructure remains. Fingerprint sharing continues, and the lessons from this period inform current organizing.
Contribute to an Emergency Response Fund
Support funds that provide immediate assistance to families affected by immigration enforcement, including bond, travel, and emergency housing.
Donate to a Legal Defense Fund
Financial contributions to legal defense funds help ensure immigrants have access to legal representation, which dramatically improves outcomes in immigration proceedings.
Join a Rapid Response Network
Be part of a community network that responds when ICE is spotted in the area, helping to warn neighbors and document enforcement activity.