National Police Association Supports Legislative Move to Expand 287(g) Program

On August 28, 2026, the National Police Association (NPA) publicly endorsed the 287(g) Expansion Act (S. 4405), a significant legislative proposal put forward by Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee. This act aims to empower the U.S. Attorney General to extend federal funding to state and local jurisdictions that have established agreements under the 287(g) framework with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The funding will be disbursed through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which serves as a primary federal financial resource for law enforcement agencies engaged in diverse criminal justice endeavors.

The proposed act presents a compelling incentive for police departments to participate extensively in the 287(g) program. Agencies that qualify can expect to receive an increase of up to 10% in their annual JAG allocations. Furthermore, the bill allocates $20 million for each fiscal year from 2027 to 2033 specifically for these grants, thereby enhancing the financial support available for law enforcement efforts focused on immigration enforcement.

Paula Fitzsimmons, the Legislative Director for the NPA, remarked on the importance of the 287(g) Expansion Act by noting, "This legislation encourages essential partnerships between ICE and local police forces. Given the limited resources available for federal immigration enforcement, such collaborations are fundamental to ensuring public safety."

The 287(g) program authorizes select state and local police officers to partake in immigration enforcement tasks, which include identifying, processing, detaining, or transferring individuals deemed removable due to immigration violations, particularly those with existing criminal charges or convictions. Fitzsimmons highlighted the success of the program in preventing criminal aliens from reintegrating into communities: "Recent multi-agency operations in Florida saw over 1,100 arrests made in a single week, a success attributed to widespread county-level participation in the 287(g) opportunities."

Since early 2025, the 287(g) program has witnessed rapid growth, increasing from approximately 135 agreements to a remarkable 2,365 across 39 states. Despite this expansion, it is crucial to recognize that the program still encompasses only a fraction of the roughly 18,000 law enforcement agencies operating throughout the United States, limiting its comprehensive impact on crime reduction.

The NPA advocates for strengthened federal-state collaboration to expedite the removal of the most dangerous offenders from the streets. The association commends Senator Blackburn's initiative to introduce the 287(g) Expansion Act, viewing it as a pivotal step towards enhancing the partnerships necessary for improving community safety. Moving forward, the NPA encourages Congress to prioritize the passage of this critical legislation.

For those interested in supporting anti-crime efforts and pro-law enforcement policies, the NPA invites individuals to join their "Call to Action" team. This initiative provides email updates on pertinent legislation and guidance on which lawmakers to contact for advocacy purposes.

In summary, the endorsement of the 287(g) Expansion Act by the National Police Association highlights the organization's dedication to law enforcement advocacy. By supporting this initiative, the NPA aims to foster a cooperative environment that enhances public safety through effective immigration enforcement.

For further information about the National Police Association and its advocacy work, visit their official website at NationalPolice.org. Media inquiries can be directed to Paula Fitzsimmons at 302-469-1765 or via email.