hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
New penalties for local officials who hinder immigration requests.
Rep. Gooden (R, TX)
Introduced in House, referred to Judiciary Committee.
This bill makes it a federal crime for state and local government officials to knowingly block federal immigration authorities from receiving advance notice about the release of certain non-citizens accused or convicted of crimes. The sponsor, Representative Lance Gooden, is a Republican from Texas. The bill is currently in an early stage, meaning it has been introduced in the House of Representatives and assigned to a committee, but has not yet had a vote.
Introduced Feb 20, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. For the bill to advance, this committee must review and approve it. If it passes the committee, it would then be eligible for a vote by the full House. If passed by the House, it would then move to the Senate for consideration, and eventually to the President to become law.
If this bill becomes law, state and local officials could face significant federal fines and prison sentences ranging from 30 days to 25 years for establishing or enforcing policies that prevent federal immigration agencies from getting advance notice about the release of individuals charged with or convicted of crimes. This could lead to local governments altering their current 'sanctuary' policies to avoid legal risks for their leadership, potentially changing how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities and non-citizens in their communities.
Supporters Say
Supporters would say this bill ensures cooperation with federal immigration laws and protects public safety by preventing the release of dangerous individuals.
Critics Say
Critics might argue it infringes on state and local authority and could lead to profiling or erode trust between immigrant communities and local police.
Those in favor would likely argue that it's crucial for local governments to assist federal efforts to deport non-citizens who have committed crimes, thereby enhancing public safety. Opponents might contend that such a law forces local jurisdictions to act as federal immigration agents, potentially straining local resources and making communities less safe by discouraging non-citizens from reporting crimes or cooperating with local law enforcement.