That makes cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement more than a political talking point. It is a practical question of governance. When agencies have different authorities but share responsibility for protecting the public, how they work together matters.

Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides one mechanism for doing exactly that. Created more than 30 years ago, the program allows participating state and local law enforcement agencies to enter voluntary agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to perform limited immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.

A program that has existed for decades should not be beyond examination simply because it is longstanding. But neither should legitimate questions about its implementation become an argument for abandoning the underlying concept of cooperation.

There are reasonable questions to ask about 287(g).

Are officers properly trained? Are their authorities clearly defined? Is there sufficient federal supervision? Are agreements transparent? Are complaints investigated appropriately? Are there meaningful audits and mechanisms to hold officers and agencies accountable when rules are violated?

Those questions deserve serious answers.

And there is nothing inconsistent about asking them while also recognizing the potential value of the program. If training needs improvement, improve the training. If oversight needs strengthening, strengthen oversight. If authority needs clarification, clarify it. If an officer violates the rules, hold that........

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