hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Criminalizes local officials for not complying with federal immigration release requests.
Introduced by Mr. Graham in the Senate.
Placed on the Senate calendar, awaiting potential vote.
This bill makes it illegal for state or local government officials to block or limit cooperation with federal requests for advance notice about the release of certain non-citizens who have committed crimes. It establishes varying prison sentences and fines for officials who violate this, depending on the severity of the non-citizen's alleged or convicted crime. The bill was introduced by Mr. Graham in the Senate in February 2026 and is currently on the Senate's legislative calendar, meaning it's ready for floor consideration.
Introduced Feb 9, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 9, 2026, and then read for a second time and placed directly on the Senate's legislative calendar on February 10, 2026. This means it has bypassed the typical committee review process and is now eligible for debate and a vote by the full Senate. For it to become law, it would still need to pass the Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
If passed, this law would significantly change how local governments interact with federal immigration authorities. City or state officials who try to prevent their agencies from giving advance notice to the Department of Homeland Security about the release of a criminal non-citizen could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, depending on the crime committed by the non-citizen. This would limit a local government's ability to create 'sanctuary' policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration requests, potentially increasing the transfer of non-citizens from local custody to federal immigration detention.
Supporters Say
Supporters say this bill enhances public safety by ensuring local governments cooperate with federal efforts to detain non-citizens charged with or convicted of crimes.
Critics Say
Critics might argue it infringes on states' rights and local autonomy, forcing local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents.
Those in favor of the bill would likely argue it closes loopholes that allow dangerous non-citizens to be released back into communities by making it a federal crime for local officials to impede immigration enforcement. They believe it's essential for national security and public safety that all levels of government work together on immigration matters. Opponents, however, might contend that this bill federalizes local police, potentially eroding trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, which could make communities less safe by discouraging crime reporting.