FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2025
Contact:
Madison Hardy
Janessa Tolman
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced today the 287(g) Program Protection Act to streamline and strengthen partnerships between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
“President Trump’s enforcement of our immigration laws has brought encounters at the southern border to a screeching halt,” said Risch. “To finish cleaning up the Biden administration’s mess, we must empower our local law enforcement to assist ICE in identifying and detaining the illegal immigrants in our communities.”
Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
The 287(g) Program Protection Act has received support from Idaho’s Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris.
“In Kootenai County, we are committed to enforcing the law impartially and responsibly. The 287(g) program offers a structured, transparent framework that supports this mission,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. “Senator Risch’s leadership in furthering this program by attempting to streamline the process and provide local agencies a fair and timely opportunity to participate in federal enforcement efforts underscores his dedication to public safety, border integrity, and the rule of law. I stand with Senator Risch in urging Congress to advance this legislation and preserve the 287(g) program as a vital component of our national security efforts.”
The 287(g) program enables state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to carry out critical immigration functions.
Under the Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to process new 287(g) program applications, creating a significant backlog, and offered little transparency to the jurisdictions seeking participation.
In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order to address the backlog and approve hundreds of 287(g) agreements, allowing local officers to enforce immigration laws.
The 287(g) Program Protection Act would:
- Require DHS to approve or deny 287(g) applications within 90 days;
- Require DHS to provide written justification to Congress for denied applications; and
- Prohibit DHS from terminating any existing 287(g) agreement without cause or prior notice to Congress.
The 287(g) Program Protection Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Michael Cloud (R-Texas).
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch proudly represents the people of Idaho in the United States Senate. He currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Risch previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
