Virginia Representative Ben Cline is emphasizing his support for stricter immigration enforcement as he introduces new legislation aimed at expanding cooperation between federal and local authorities. The announcement comes as Cline received recognition from an immigration‑policy group for his work on border and interior‑enforcement issues.
Cline said his focus on immigration enforcement reflects concerns he hears from constituents about public safety and the rule of law. He wrote, “I am proud to earn a Top 20 ranking from @iaproject for my work fighting illegal immigration. Since coming to Congress, I’ve championed commonsense immigration reform, and I’ll keep fighting to put America First.”
The Virginia lawmaker introduced the 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026, a bill that would require state and local law‑enforcement agencies to enter into a 287(g) memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a condition for receiving Community Oriented Policing Services grants. The 287(g) program allows trained local officers to assist ICE in identifying and processing individuals who are in the country unlawfully.
Cline said the legislation is intended to ensure that jurisdictions receiving federal policing funds are also cooperating with federal immigration authorities. “The federal government should be working hand‑in‑hand with state and local law enforcement to enforce our immigration laws. The 287(g) Cooperation Act ensures that communities receiving federal policing funds are also partnering with ICE to keep dangerous individuals off our streets. By strengthening these proven partnerships, we can enhance public safety, uphold the rule of law, and better protect American communities,” he said.
Supporters of the bill argue that the 287(g) program is a critical tool for removing individuals who commit crimes while in the United States unlawfully. Michael Hough, Co‑President of NumbersUSA, said, “The 287(g) program is an essential tool that has local law enforcement partner with federal law enforcement to deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens. Unfortunately, some states like Virginia are not allowing their law enforcement to turn over illegal aliens who have committed crimes to the Department of Homeland Security – this policy is not only bad, but also unfortunately deadly for too many law‑abiding citizens. We applaud Rep. Cline for the introduction of the ‘287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026’ and his steadfast commitment to improving public safety.”
Grant Newman of the Immigration Accountability Project said the bill addresses concerns about jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. “It is unconscionable that sanctuary jurisdictions that protect illegal aliens and inhibit the enforcement of our immigration laws are nevertheless able to take advantage of Federal law enforcement grants. We thank Congressman Cline for introducing the 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026, which ensures COPS grants are strictly limited to jurisdictions that work with ICE, not against it,” he said.
Joe Chatham of the Federation for American Immigration Reform said the legislation would help address recent increases in criminal activity linked to unlawful migration. “Under the Biden administration, record numbers of criminals and national security threats flooded into our country. The 287(g) Cooperation Act is a decisive step for empowering law enforcement agencies to remove these dangerous aliens, help restore law and order, and keep communities across America safe,” he said.
A federal review of 287(g) program performance metrics is scheduled for release later this year, offering lawmakers updated data as debate over the bill continues.
