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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
SENATES. 4405· 119th Congress

Expand local police immigration enforcement powers

287(g) Expansion Act

Sponsor
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Introduced
Apr 28, 2026
Last Action
Apr 28, 2026
Passage
18%
Introduced
Apr 28, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Expands 287(g) program, which lets local police enforce federal immigration law under ICE supervision.
  • Detailed policy specifics unavailable—bill just introduced, no CRS summary published yet.
  • Likely increases number of jurisdictions or officers eligible to participate in the program.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Local law enforcement gains direct immigration enforcement authority; some jurisdictions may opt in, others may not.
  • Communities with 287(g) officers see more immigration-related arrests; immigrant communities face increased enforcement risk.
  • Tradeoff: proponents cite immigration control; critics worry about racial profiling and community policing strain.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced April 28, 2026 with 2 cosponsors; now in Senate Judiciary Committee with no timeline set.
  • Committee review is the immediate hurdle—passage requires both chambers and presidential signature.
  • Track it: search Congress.gov for "287(g) Expansion Act" or contact your senator's office about their position.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Apr 28, 2026Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Apr 28, 2026Introduced in Senate