It is good to be cautious when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) proclaims he is promoting “common sense” ideas. But, looking at a listing of some of what he on Wednesday called “common-sense reforms, ones that Americans know and expect from law enforcement,” that Senate Democrats want imposed for the United States government’s immigration enforcement efforts, it seems that Schumer and his party caucus are putting forward some promising ideas.
The Senate Democrats’ proposal largely promotes adopting restraints that have generally helped ensure at the state and local level that police violate people’s rights less frequently and can be more likely held to account in instances when they do. In a Thursday article at Government Executive, Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa listed some of the changes Schumer has said Senate Democrats are united behind:
- The end of roving patrols
- Tightening the rules governing the use of warrants
- Requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to coordinate with state and local law enforcement
- Implementing a uniform code of conduct that holds federal law enforcement to the same set of standards that apply to state and local agencies
- Barring the wearing of masks
- Requiring the use of body cameras
- Mandating immigration agents carry proper identification
Republicans in the Senate may have good reason to argue about details of some of these proposals. Still, the Democrats’ suggestions seem to be in the right direction — moving the operation of US immigration cops toward respecting liberty and accepting accountability.
