Immigration Article of the Day: Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety by Felipe M. Gonçalves, Elisa Jácome & Emily K. Weisburst

Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety by Felipe M. Gonçalves, Elisa Jácome & Emily K. Weisburst, NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH WORKING PAPER February 2024

Abstract

How does immigration enforcement affect public safety? Heightened enforcement could reduce crime by deterring and incapacitating immigrant offenders or, alternatively, increase crime by discouraging victims from reporting offenses. We study the U.S. Secure Communities program, which expanded interior enforcement against unauthorized immigrants. Using national survey data, we find that the program reduced the likelihood that Hispanic victims reported crimes to police and increased the victimization of Hispanics. Total reported crimes are unchanged, masking these opposing effects. We provide evidence that reduced Hispanic reporting is the key driver of increased victimization. Our findings underscore the importance of trust in institutions as a central determinant of public safety.

KJ