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Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety

Author

Listed:
  • Felipe M. Gonçalves
  • Elisa Jácome
  • Emily K. Weisburst

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Felipe M. Gonçalves & Elisa Jácome & Emily K. Weisburst, 2024. "Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety," NBER Working Papers 32109, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32109
    Note: LE LS PE POL
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K37 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Immigration Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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