Differences in State Sunshine Laws Can Threaten Transparency Around Immigration Detention and Enforcement
The hodgepodge of state “sunshine” laws can lead to unjustifiable gaps in transparency around immigration enforcement and detention. This is especially harmful because local law enforcement agencies have increased their role in immigration enforcement through programs like 287(g) agreements and Secure Communities, both of which rely on local law enforcement to initiate detentions that can ultimately end up in deportations. State agencies also play an important role in administering immigration detention. While immigration detention centers are often funded by the federal government, they are often managed by private prison companies that contract with local governments.
