287(g) Program Protection Act

HR 998, the 287(g) Program Protection Act, strengthens the federal program allowing state and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration enforcement. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter written agreements with any state or local agency that requests them - without arbitrary denial, with 180 days' notice to Congress if denied - and to process requests within 90 days. It gives participating agencies flexibility to choose enforcement models (like jail or task force operations) and prohibits federal programs from replacing 287(g) agreements. The bill also adds strict rules preventing DHS from terminating agreements without compelling reasons and requires annual reports on program performance, including removal statistics and compliance.