Subnational Immigration Enforcement and Crime: Evidence from U.S. States

• In Event: Crime, Law and Deviance Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): 10: Politics & Capitalism

Abstract

Research on the relationship between immigration enforcement and crime largely focuses on federal and local partnerships, leaving the role of U.S. states in these dynamics largely unexplored. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study examines the effects of restrictive state-level omnibus immigration laws (OILs) on crime and drug arrest rates across U.S. states from 2000 to 2019. Despite policymakers’ claims that restrictive immigration laws enhance public safety, this study buttresses prior findings showing no significant reductions in violent crime or drug arrests in states with OILs relative to states without similar legislation. However, we find evidence of lower property crime rates in states with OILs. These contradictory findings point to evidence that OILs reduce public trust in law enforcement rather than achieving the public safety. Policymakers prioritizing punitive immigration enforcement, such as OILs, should consider the potential for decreased community safety, police legitimacy, and public trust.

Authors

• Isabel Anadon, University at Buffalo

• Sirat Kaur, University at Buffalo