The definition of “crime,” however, causes considerable disagreement. The program is often sold as a means of ridding the streets of violent criminals, but every analysis over the past decade has found most of those detained nationally are arrested and deported on relatively minor charges.

Crimes deemed sufficient to trigger deportation proceedings have included fishing without a license and giving the wrong address to a 911 operator after being shot.

Smaligo said his review of Tulsa Jail records indicates that while many detainees were initially stopped for minor traffic violations, they ultimately were charged with more serious infractions, usually involving drugs or alcohol.

He said he’s heard stories about people being deported for minor infractions, but hasn’t seen substantiation.

“I’ve been looking at this really closely the last week or so and I haven’t seen that,” Smaligo said. “I’m not saying it doesn’t happen … but I haven’t seen it.”

Several people speaking Monday said they have been subjected to unwarranted traffic stops and searches because of their appearance.