The National Police Association Endorses the 287(g) Expansion Act
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Police Association (NPA) endorses the 287(g) Expansion Act (S. 4405), a bill introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (TN) authorizing the U.S. Attorney General to increase federal funding for state and local jurisdictions that have a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Funds would originate from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. This is the primary federal grant funding stream that state and local law enforcement agencies use for a broad scope of criminal justice missions.
Qualifying agencies would be eligible to receive up to a 10% increase in their annual JAG allocations. The bill sets aside $20 million for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2033 for these grants. It has been referred to the Judiciary Committee; text for the bill is here.
"The 287(g) Expansion Act incentivizes partnerships between ICE and local and state police agencies. Given that federal immigration enforcement resources are finite, these partnerships are critical to maintaining public safety," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association.
The 287(g) program permits local and state police officers to participate in limited ways. Authorized duties include identifying, processing, detaining, or transferring removable noncitizens, especially those with criminal charges or convictions.
"The 287(g) agreement has been instrumental in ensuring criminal aliens aren't released into our communities. Notably, a multi-agency effort in Florida made more than 1,100 arrests in a single week, enabled by near-universal county-level 287(g) participation," Fitzsimmons added.
The 287(g) program has grown rapidly since early 2025, increasing from roughly 135 agreements to 2,365, across 39 states. Even with this growth, the program covers a minority of the approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States. Most agencies remain outside the 287(g) program, limiting its full potential.
The NPA commends Sen. Blackburn for introducing a bill to strengthen partnerships between federal immigration enforcement and state and local law enforcement agencies. These collaborations allow the worst offenders to be removed from our streets more efficiently. We ask Congress to work towards passage of the 287(g) Expansion Act.
To support anti-crime, pro-police legislation, join the NPA's Call to Action team. Receive email alerts on bills, including which lawmakers to contact.
About: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and the courts. For more information visit NationalPolice.org.
Media Contact:
Paula Fitzsimmons
302-469-1765
SOURCE National Police Association
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