hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Prioritizes grants for areas with 287(g) agreements.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)
Introduced, referred to Judiciary Committee.
This bill changes how the federal government awards certain law enforcement grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. It adds a new priority for applicants from states or localities that have signed a 287(g) agreement, which lets local officers enforce federal immigration law. Sponsor Nancy Mace is a Republican from South Carolina and sits on the Judiciary Committee. The bill has only been introduced, meaning no hearings or votes yet.
Introduced Mar 19, 2026
This bill has been introduced in its chamber of Congress. It has been assigned a bill number and referred to a committee for review. Most bills never advance past this stage. The committee may hold hearings, gather expert testimony, and amend the bill before deciding whether to send it to the full chamber for a vote.
The bill doesn't force any police department to sign a 287(g) agreement, but it makes those that do more likely to get grants from programs like the Byrne JAG formula. If your local government opts out, it could lose out on funds compared to cooperating jurisdictions. This could influence local debates about police involvement in immigration enforcement. The actual impact depends on how many applicants qualify and how grant makers interpret 'priority consideration.'
Supporters Say
Supporters say it encourages local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, making communities safer.
Critics Say
Critics argue it pressures local police into immigration work, which can erode trust with immigrant communities.
Supporters often point to cases where 287(g) agreements help remove criminal aliens. Critics warn that such agreements can lead to racial profiling and underreporting of crime by undocumented immigrants who fear deportation. The bill does not change the underlying 287(g) program—only the grant incentive—so both sides may frame it as either a smart nudge or coercive leverage.