Local and state law enforcement agencies should not be involved in immigration enforcement. That is a job for federal agents.

It is heartening to know that many local police agencies around the country believe that, according to the Police Foundation, an independent nonprofit that helps law enforcement officials improve policy.

The foundation surveyed community police and sheriff's departments around the country, finding several reasons why they do not want to be involved in immigration enforcement.

One is that the local agencies feel they lack expertise and resources to detain illegal immigrants. Another is that immigrant crackdowns can destroy citizens' trust in the police. Manpower is already a problem, said some; why add another layer of enforcement?

The study, reported by Cox News Service, will be revealed in full at a later date. Its findings were summarized at a Police Foundation conference in Washington this week.

One recommendation from community leaders to Congress: Pass comprehensive immigration reform; the current policies are incoherent.