HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0125.064 2024-2026Aloha,
My name is Victoria, and I am the daughter of once undocumented parents. I strongly oppose
this bill, which would deputize the Hawaii Police Department as immigration agents.
This proposal will force HPD into immigration enforcement, creating fear and distrust in our
community. When individuals are detained for criminal reasons, their information is already
collected and processed. The claim that people are evading the system is simply untrue.
Growing up here, I have seen firsthand the fear of "getting in trouble." For many immigrants,
even a traffic ticket raises the terrifying question: Will / get deported? The stakes are already
high. This bill will only push people further into the shadows, making them less likely to report
crimes or seek help.
HPD's involvement will lead to racial profiling and unfair targeting based on appearance or
language. Deputizing local officers as federal immigration agents diverts limited resources away
from crime prevention and public safety. Despite claims that this won't cost Hawaii,
collaborating with immigration enforcement will inevitably use our tax dollars —taking
funds from local priorities.
This bill also represents federal overreach into state jurisdiction, forcing Hawaii to take on
federal immigration duties instead of allowing our state to determine its own public safety
policies.
Beyond the social harm, this bill threatens Hawai`i's economy. In 2022, undocumented
immigrants contributed $157.2 million in state and local taxes. Their contributions could
increase to $194.4 million if they were given work authorization. Driving immigrant families
away weakens local businesses, industries, and tax revenue.
It's also important to recognize that many immigrants are part of mixed -status families.
Policies like this put U.S. citizen children and family members at risk, leading to long-term
emotional and financial harm.
Opposing this bill means protecting public safety, strengthening trust in HPD, and ensuring
Hawaii remains a place of fairness and opportunity. I urge you to reject this harmful proposal.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Victoria Magaha