A group of Democratic lawmakers unveiled new legislation on Thursday that would prohibit local police departments from working with federal immigration authorities to apprehend migrants who lack legal status.
The proposed measure, the PROTECT Immigration Act, would end the federal 287(g) program by repealing its legal authority. It also aims to make explicit that state and local law enforcement agencies do not have inherent power to investigate, detain, or arrest people solely for suspected immigration violations.
Illinois Representative Mike Quigley, a Democrat, is leading the bill. In comments to Newsweek on Thursday, Quigley said the legislation was motivated by what he saw in Chicago during a Department of Homeland Security operation he referred to as “Operation Midway Blitz.”
“It was what I witnessed in my home city during the Operation Midway Blitz,” he said. “You know, I walked with young immigrant kids from a shelter to school, and they talked to me about their lives and how happy they were, and they had no idea that I was walking them with other adults because their parents couldn’t.”
Why It Matters
Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, 287(g) agreements—which allow local and state officers to cooperate with federal immigration authorities—have increased significantly. Supporters say the partnerships strengthen enforcement and promote public safety. Critics argue the arrangements can erode community trust, leaving immigrants—regardless of legal status—less willing to report crimes or seek help from local police.
What To Know
Under the bill, immigration enforcement authority would remain limited to federal immigration officers and authorized Department of Homeland Security personnel.
By the end of 2024, there were roughly 135 active 287(g) agreements. By mid-2025, the number had risen into the several hundreds, reflecting an effort to expand local involvement in immigration enforcement. In September 2025, the Department of Homeland Security said there were more than 1,000 287(g) partnerships across dozens of states—an increase compared with the end of the prior administration.
Quigley told Newsweek he believes immigration enforcement should stay within legal bounds and that federal agents should focus on arresting and deporting people without legal status, particularly those accused of crimes. But he argued that relying on local police and sheriff’s departments blurs responsibilities in ways that can harm both civil liberties and public confidence.
“There’s important functions here. There’s security at airports, border security, those are important things and in terms of deporting someone who really should because they are a risk, that’s kind of what the American people expect,” he told Newsweek. “But they don’t expect them to stop a soccer mom, break her windows, drag her out in front of her kids… They’ve gotten carte blanche to go after anybody with brown skin, and they have, despite what they’ve said, they have detained U.S. citizens.”
Beginning October 1, 2025, participating agencies will be eligible for reimbursements from ICE covering the annual salary and benefits of each trained 287(g) officer, including overtime of up to 25 percent of the officer’s annual salary.
Agencies may also qualify for quarterly performance awards tied to locating individuals without legal status and supporting ICE’s mission. These payments would range from $500 to $1,000 per eligible task force officer, depending on performance.
Quigley is sponsoring the bill with Democratic co-sponsors including Representatives Pramila Jayapal (Washington), Sarah McBride (Delaware), Valerie Foushee (North Carolina), Eleanor Holmes Norton (Washington, D.C., delegate), Sara Jacobs and Robert Garcia (California), Ilhan Omar (Minnesota), Sylvia Garcia (Texas), Henry “Hank” Johnson (Georgia), Bonnie Watson Coleman (New Jersey), and Illinois lawmakers Delia Ramirez, Danny K. Davis, and Robin Kelly.
What People Are Saying
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan previously said in a press release: “We encourage all state and local law enforcement agencies to sign a 287(g) agreement now. By joining forces with ICE, you’re not just gaining access to these unprecedented reimbursement opportunities—you’re becoming part of a national effort to ensure the safety of every American family.”
Representative Pramila Jayapal, in a press release: “Allowing local law enforcement to be deputized to kidnap and disappear immigrants undercuts the trust that local police rely on to maintain public safety in our communities. Immigrants and their U.S. citizen loved ones stop reporting crimes out of fear of being kidnapped and deported. Local police are spread thin enforcing federal civil immigration law. We know that Trump is not targeting criminals, he is targeting our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and pillars of our community. This lawlessness must end immediately.”
Naureen Shah, director of policy and government affairs for the ACLU’s Equality Division, in a press release: “Enlisting local law enforcement for mass deportations isn’t just a waste of taxpayer dollars – it terrorizes our communities, undermines public safety and fuels racial profiling. We thank Congressman Quigley for his leadership and urge our members of Congress to pass the PROTECT Immigration Act without delay.”
What’s Next
As with most immigration-related legislation, the bill’s path forward is uncertain. With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate and pursuing the president’s immigration agenda, changes to the 287(g) program may face significant resistance for now.
