Sanctuary Policies and Crime: A Macro-Level Analysis of Cities in the United States

• In Event: Immigration, Community Context, and Crime

Abstract

An increasing number of localities have adopted sanctuary policies that limit the participation of local law enforcement in matters of immigration. Although the scope of these policies varies by locality, a common criticism is that they lead to more crime. This study uses recent data from cities in the United States to explore the relationship between sanctuary policies and aggregate-level crime. In particular, we draw from theoretical perspectives in the communities and crime literature to investigate the following research question: Are there differences in aggregate-level crime between localities that have sanctuary policies in place, as compared to localities that do not have such policies in place? Preliminary results of this investigation will be presented and their implications discussed within a larger socio-political landscape.

Authors

• Arelys Madero-Hernandez, Shippensburg University

• Carlos Rojas-Gaona, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania