National Police Association Backs Bill to Boost Immigration Enforcement

The proposed bill, S. 4405, seeks to tap into the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to bolster cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. By providing dedicated funding, the act encourages jurisdictions to take on duties such as identifying and transferring removable noncitizens.

National Police Association Legislative Director Paula Fitzsimmons described these partnerships as essential for public safety, noting that federal resources alone are insufficient to meet current enforcement needs. She pointed to recent operations in Florida, where multi-agency coordination resulted in over 1,100 arrests in a single week, as evidence of the program's effectiveness in preventing the release of individuals with criminal convictions.

While the 287(g) program has expanded significantly since early 2025, growing from 135 to 2,365 agreements across 39 states, it still represents a fraction of the nation's 18,000 law enforcement agencies. The NPA argues that the financial incentives provided by this bill will encourage broader participation, allowing for more efficient removal of offenders from local communities. The legislation is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.