RELEASE: Cloud Bill Would Empower Local Police in Immigration Enforcement, Supporting Trump’s Border Security Efforts

WASHINGTON—Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) introduced the 287(g) Program Protection Act, a bill to help state and local law enforcement work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and deport illegal immigrants.

The 287(g) program, created by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows local law enforcement agencies to sign agreements with ICE, giving their officers the training and authority to assist in immigration enforcement. This program has been a significant tool for keeping communities safe by helping law enforcement identify and remove dangerous individuals. With ICE stretched thin, the program acts as a force multiplier by empowering local police to assist with immigration enforcement efforts. Currently, 135 law enforcement agencies across 27 states participate in the program, but many more could benefit if it is expanded.

Under the Biden Administration, this program was intentionally slowed down, with no new agreements approved since 2021. Congressman Cloud’s bill ensures the program can be fully restored and strengthened to support the Trump Administration’s renewed efforts to secure the border and enforce immigration laws.

The 287(g) program is a vital tool for local police departments, especially in South Texas. It allows them to work directly with ICE to remove criminals from the streets, making communities safer. It also gives local agencies more resources to deal with immigration-related crime while supporting federal enforcement efforts.

This bill makes necessary improvements to ensure the program is effective and widely used. It would:

• Require ICE to approve new agreements with law enforcement agencies within 90 days and notify Congress if any applications are denied.
• Stop the federal government from canceling existing agreements without a strong reason, and allow agencies to challenge cancellations.
• Require DHS to publish yearly reports to track the program’s success and a plan to recruit more law enforcement agencies to participate.
• Provide funding to help agencies train officers, use necessary equipment, and enforce the program.

Congressman Cloud stated, “The Biden Administration didn’t fail to protect our border—they accomplished exactly what they set out to do: undermine border security and flood our country with millions of illegal immigrants. This dangerous and intentional choice has created chaos in our communities from South Texas to New York City, and American citizens have paid the price. Now, under the Trump Administration, we are working to undo the damage and restore law and order to our immigration system. This bill will expand and protect the 287(g) program, empowering local law enforcement to partner with ICE and assist the Trump Administration in removing illegal immigrants from our streets. Together, we will secure our borders, enforce the rule of law, and make South Texas and the rest of the country safe again.”

Goliad County, Texas Sheriff Roy Boyd stated, “As a Texas Sheriff and member of the Operation Lone Star Task, I fully support Congressman Cloud’s bill, making much needed changes to the 287(g) program. The American public has expressed their desire to make America safe again by their overwhelming support of President-Elect Trump. As such, law enforcement at all levels must do everything in our power to support the efforts of the incoming Trump Administration, including full participation in a revised 287(g) program. The passage of this bill will be a momentous step in the right direction, as it will provide an unprecedented level of cooperation and coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”

NumbersUSA stated, “The 287(g) program is one of the most effective programs used by law enforcement to remove illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in our community. We thank Rep. Cloud for his work to expand this program and secure our communities.”

President Trump signed an executive order on day one that told the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use the program “to the maximum extent permitted by law.” This bill would double down on that stance, requiring that DHS approve any applications by state and local law enforcement within 90 days and notify Congress if they deny it.

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