Source: Immigration Impact
In an attempt to force state and local governments to cooperate with its immigration policies, the Trump administration has announced that it plans to deploy “immigration SWAT teams known as the Border Patrol Tactical Units” (BORTAC) to so-called “sanctuary cities.”
These “sanctuary cities,” have adopted many policies to protect its residents, regardless of immigration status. “These policies include offering English language classes; issuing… driver’s licenses to all residents; ensuring… equal access to bail;… and training criminal prosecutors and public defenders on the immigration consequences of convictions and plea deals.” Learn more here.
BORTAC agents “receive training on par with military special forces.” Although evidence shows that sanctuary cities are no less safe than other cities in the United States and that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than US citizens, these BORTAC agents will be assisting ICE officers in enforcing civil immigration offenses.