287(g) Expansion Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 28, 2026
Bottom line
This bill incentivizes state and local law enforcement agencies to participate in federal immigration enforcement by offering additional grant funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes an increase of up to 10% in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG) for state and local jurisdictions that enter into or maintain a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It also authorizes $20,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2033 to fund these increased allocations, aiming to incentivize local participation in federal immigration enforcement.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill strengthens immigration enforcement by empowering local law enforcement to assist federal efforts, thereby enhancing public safety and border security. They contend that providing additional funding through Byrne JAG grants will offset the costs associated with 287(g) agreements and encourage more jurisdictions to participate, leading to more effective identification and removal of criminal noncitizens.
Opponents contend
Opponents argue that this bill federalizes local policing, diverting resources from community-specific crime prevention to immigration enforcement, which can erode trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. They contend that 287(g) agreements can lead to racial profiling and civil rights violations, and that incentivizing such agreements with federal funds is counterproductive to community policing efforts and may strain local budgets in the long run despite the grant increase.
The bill text is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Eligibility for Increased Byrne JAG Funding
This section allows any state or local jurisdiction that has a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to submit an application to the Attorney General for an increased allocation of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) funds. This means that participation in federal immigration enforcement through a 287(g) agreement is the prerequisite for seeking additional federal grant money.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision provides necessary financial support to local agencies willing to assist in federal immigration enforcement, enhancing overall public safety by removing criminal noncitizens.
Critics contend
Critics contend this provision incentivizes local law enforcement to engage in immigration duties, potentially diverting resources from local crime fighting and fostering distrust within immigrant communities.
Tradeoffs
Balances federal immigration enforcement priorities with local law enforcement autonomy and community relations.
Section 2(b)
Grant Increase Amount Authorized
This section authorizes the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to increase the annual Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) allocation for eligible applicants by not more than 10 percent. This increase is calculated based on the average annual amount the applicant received during the three most recent years they received Byrne JAG funding, providing a clear formula for the additional funds.
Section 3
Authorization of Appropriations for Increased Grants
This section authorizes an appropriation of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2033. These funds are specifically designated to cover the increased allocations provided to states and political subdivisions that enter into 287(g) agreements, ensuring that the program has dedicated funding for its expansion over a seven-year period.