US set to expand deportation program

The announcement came in a letter from Morton to governors yesterday, stating that their signatures are not “legally necessary.’’

The move changes little in practice; immigration officials had previously said they would move ahead whether or not governors agreed. But eliminating the memos removes the possibility of more public opposition by governors and could make it easier for the program to expand.

US immigration officials launched Secure Communities in 2008, after piloting it in Boston and expanding in more than 40 states, enabling local law enforcement to share fingerprints of suspects arrested with federal immigration officials. The goal is to detain and deport illegal immigrants, particularly those who are violent or dangerous.

Yesterday’s announcement infuriated advocates for immigrants who said the federal agency’s action was ignoring concerns from Governor Patrick and others who say the program is also deporting illegal immigrants who came to the country to work and are not violent criminals.

“This is a message from the federal government to the state of Massachusetts that this program will be crammed down their throats, regardless of their opposition,’’ said B. Loewe, spokesman for the Los Angeles-based National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

Others praised the effort to expand the program and reduce the number of illegal immigrants who may compete for jobs.

“Federal law applies to all the states including Massachusetts,’’ said Steve Kropper, cochairman of Massachusetts Citizens for Immigration Reform, which favors tougher enforcement of immigration laws. “If Massachusetts is known for being hostile to illegal immigrants, we will reap economic benefits. Dithering about whether to enforce the law is the worst of all paths.’’