Final answer:
Local law enforcement agencies are involved in immigration enforcement through programs such as Arizona's SB 1070, which mandates checking immigration status during lawful stops if there is suspicion of the individual being unlawfully present. This has sparked debates on racial profiling and has been scrutinized by the Supreme Court. There is also encouragement for local cooperation in federal immigration law enforcement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Local law enforcement agencies in the United States have been involved in immigration enforcement to varying degrees, with the most notable program being a part of the interior enforcement strategy described by the legislation of SB 1070. This is known as the 'Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act,' passed in Arizona, which, although controversial, includes provisions that require police during lawful stops, detentions, or arrests to determine the immigration status if there is reasonable suspicion that the individual may be unlawfully present in the country.
The act of questioning and verifying someone's immigration status based on reasonable suspicion has raised concerns about racial profiling. In some instances, such practices have been challenged and reformed following Supreme Court decisions surrounding federal and state authority on immigration issues. For example, the decision in Arizona v. United States emphasized federal supremacy over immigration and expressed constitutionally derived legislative power of Congress to 'establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization.'
Another directive affecting local law enforcement's role in immigration control is the encouragement of states and municipalities to cooperate in enforcing federal immigration laws. As part of broader federal immigration policy, there has been an initiative to strengthen enforcement, including proposals to end visa overstays, stop the catch-and-release practice, and prevent benefits to gang members.