Law Enforcement Challenges Along the Mexican-American Border in a Time of Enhanced Migration Control

Abstract

Addressing issues pertaining to voluntary undocumented migrants who enter the United States is increasingly touted as a concern that should involve local and state police agencies, not just federal law enforcement. It is made clear that United States policy and response to immigrating populations from Mexico and further south utilizes a unique application of civil law proceedings that simultaneously appear to integrate elements of criminal law and criminal response, as seen fit by United States officials. This has led to misguided outcomes for agencies tasked with addressing immigration issues in the United States. Likewise, competing views between southwestern states and the federal government leave local and state police in a quandary as to how best to navigate expectations placed upon them from the communities they serve and government authorities who set law enforcement priorities.