Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety

Felipe M. Gonçalves, Elisa Jácome and Emily K. Weisburst

No 32109, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

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.

JEL-codes: J15 K37 K42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-law, nep-mig and nep-ure
Note: LE LS PE POL
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